Gad Peter, a political analyst and public commentator, has advised Plateau women to engage in a more meaningful political participation that would be beneficial to the larger society.

Mr Peter, who is also the global president of the University of Jos Alumni Association, said this in an interview on Wednesday in Jos.

He was reacting to a protest organised by some All Progressives Congress women groups rejecting the purported plan by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the APC.

Mr Peter called on Plateau women to channel their energies towards promoting peace and seeking solutions to the challenges facing their fellow women in the state.

“If the Presidency and the APC truly want the governor to join the party, and if he also genuinely wants to join, then no amount of protest for or against it will stop the decision. Sadly, many of the women who took part in these protests are usually not seen or heard when important party decisions are being made.

“Their opinions rarely count as they are often sidelined by the men and party leadership. Instead of protesting over what is totally out of their control, these women should focus their energies on demanding and promoting peace, development, stability and push for greater participation of women in key decision-making roles,” he said.

He particularly advised the women to push for policies that would enhance the well-being of their children, particularly the girls.

“What is more worrisome and disappointing is that the protest carried out by the women was at a time when the world is focusing on the challenges women face. At a time, the world is promoting safe spaces for women while also encouraging everyone to unite to end digital violence against all women and girls,” he lamented.

He called on Plateau women to desist from being used as tools by a few individuals to score cheap political goals.

(NAN)