It was a carnival of some sort as women from the People’s Democratic Party in ward 5, Calabar municipality came out in their numbers to celebrate the former house of representatives, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo in Calabar.
The PDP women who described Amb. Nkoyo Toyo as an exceptional leader in the political sphere of Cross River State and in Nigeria said ward 5 in Calabar municipality was blessed to have her. Adorned with different uniforms, the women took turns to sing and dance to the amazement of Amb. Toyo.
The leader of the delegation, Chief Asari Boco Etim thanked Amb. Toyo for being a worthy example not just in Cross River state but across the country and beyond. According to her, the leadership qualities of Amb. Toyo has paved way for several other women across the country, maintaining that such was worth emulating.
Describing Amb Toyo as a fighter for women’s rights, Mrs Boco said, “Let me put it on record that this meeting was not planned by our mother, it was planned by our women. If it was to fight, I assure you that other wards would have struggled to take her away. This God has given her to us free of charge”. She advised women to stand fast in what they believe and not be moved by money. The women expressed great happiness that a female was joining the gubernatorial race and committed to engaging in the campaign as much as possible.
Responding, Amb Nkoyo Toyo expressed joy for the support enjoyed so far by the women and called on them not to relent. She called on women to rise up to the occasion and refuse intimidation.
“We are starting a movement in ward 5 and we will replicate this in all the wards and chapters across the state. I have told myself that I will be the change that the state needs. But we must be ready to work the change. You have to, first of all, believe in yourself and that is the change that I represent. But women must know what they want out of politics and put their demands out there for the contestants to address”
On whether as a woman, Nkoyo Toyo was any less qualified, the gubernatorial hopeful said “go and ask them if they are things they can do that Nkoyo Toyo cannot do? They said they will be a debate. I am waiting for them. They call their own capacity, but I have competence” she said
Present at the event was the state woman leader of PDP, Hon. Florence Inyang, PDP Chairman for Ward 5, Hon. Essien Akabom Eyo. Others present were female members of the LGA chapter, ward women leaders from all the 10 wards in the LGA, Ward stalwart and former Chapter Chairman Mr. Patrick Ekpo Archibong, former Councilor Hon Obo Effanga and Mr. Odiso among other party stalwarts.
(theparchment.org)