Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson has called on Nigerians to shun tribalism when it comes to appointments into key positions aimed at bringing about national development.
In a statement personally signed by him, the senatorial hopeful commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Nimi Akinkugbe as the Ambassadorial Nominee representing Ondo State, where she is married from and has family.
Dickson condemned in totality the voices that have risen in opposition to her nomination not on account of her competence, experience, capacity or character but only on the basis that her parents are from Rivers State.
The former Governor also used the medium to encourage inter-tribal marriages stating that, women who marry outside their home states should be encouraged rather than be criticised or punished.
He further called on Nigerian women leaders to organise themselves for positive change saying, these are the sort of issues in addition to several others they should tackle with the support of men.
Dickson also described the act of discriminating against Akinkugbe as the primitive mindset that encourages rape as well as other acts of violence against women which have become endemic. He strongly condemned the notion calling for its collective challenge.
While calling for more women to be encouraged into elective positions citing his 8-year tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State where about 40% of elected Received rs are currently women which need to be encouraged.
He therefore called on the menfolk to continue supporting and encouraging women into elective positions rather than, criticising them as it pays to invest in the women to make the country great.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
