From Joseph Amedu,  Lokoja

As the general elections in Nigeria is around the corner, the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC), has vowed that  it will not relent in its efforts to continue to protect women against all forms of violence  before, during and after the polls.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi state, Professor James Apam gave the assurance while declaring open a one day seminar on Mitigating Violence Against Women organized for Kogi women in Lokoja by the commission on Tuesday.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner said ” the commission will continue to protect the interest of women especially with regards to all forms of violence that could prevent them from effective participation in an electoral process ”

The INEC boss admonished women across the country that they should also rise up in defence of their constitutional rights as regards their electoral callings as they will continue to get the backings of the commission.

While noting that INEC had always paved way for inclusion of women in all forms of governance, Professor Apam drummed his support for women to be free from slavery and victimization.

He urged women to turn out in their large numbers to vote for the candidates of their choice as they will be given the opportunity to cast their votes first during the upcoming elections.

In her remarks, the Gender Desk Officer, Mrs Sharon Musa had called on government at all levels to implement the  Gender Affirmative Action which allotted 25 per cent involvement of women in politics  and appointment into public offices.

She also called on government at all levels to create more security awareness for women that would guarantee their effective participation in politics without undue hindrance.

Among the papers presented at the seminar include; “The Role of Women In Electoral Process” and “The Role of INEC In Militating Women Against Violence During Election Period