By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, has pulled out of the Plateau South senatorial race.
The minister, in a statement, made available to newsmen, on Monday, said she voluntarily stepped down from the senatorial race after consulting widely with her family and close associates.
“I relish the opportunity to serve Nigerian women in my capacity as Minister of Women Affairs under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Consequently, I wish to inform you all that I have to withdraw from running for the Senatorial seat.
“As a humble servant of Nigerian Women, I am overwhelmed by the patriotism and loyalty displayed by women and I remain resolute to ride on these foundations to continue to build solid structures for strategic progress.
“So to all Nigerian women and young girls who have raised concerns as to what next, rest assured that I, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG, have not submitted any resignation letter and therefore, it is my decision not to go ahead with this request but carry on as the Minister of Women Affairs. I am confident of our commitment to carry on our advocacy and determination to get more women to participate in politics.
“Once again I thank the good people of Plateau State Southern Senatorial District and appeal to them to continue to support the incumbent Senator, Prof. Nora Daduut, to sustain women’s political force in the state and in Nigeria,” she said.
Tallen also thanked the first lady, Aisha Buhari, the team from her constituency, and well-wishers for their support.
President Muhammadu Buhari had last Wednesday asked amembers of his cabinet seeking elective offices to resign on or before May 16.
Other ministers seeking elective offices include Rotimi Amaechi, Godswill Akpabio, Timipre Sylva, Chris Ngige, Uche Ogah, Ogbonnaya Onu and Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.
Following the president’s directive, some of the ministers who are seeking elective positions had jettisoned the idea.
Since the valedictory session held for the 10 ministers with political ambitions last Friday, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has withdrawn from the 2023 Kebbi governorship race, while Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has also announced his withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race.
