Sewanu Towakennu-Olatunde is a trained educationist vying to represent Ipokia/Idi-Iroko at the Ogun State House of Assembly under theflagship of All Progressives Congress. Sewanu contested with eight other men before she clinched the ticket of her party. This graduate of History and International Relations at the Lagos State University(LASU) spoke with Senior Reporter, ANTHONIA SOYINGBE, recently on issues bothering on women in politics.
What were you doing before you became an active politician?
While I was still studying at Lagos State University, my people called on me to come and represent them in politics because according to them they believe I am very outspoken and a political post was then zoned to my area. They initially approached my father who is a
Towakennu-Olatunde
force to reckon within the town but my father preferred his son going into politics but my people insisted that they wanted me. Though I didn’t get into that office, I was give nother political appointments. I have passion for teaching so I went for a Postgraduate training in education; I was employed into a government public School. I realized that it is not politics that is actually dirty but some people are just naturally dirty and wherever such people are, they will exhibit their dirty act. I can cope with different set of people irrespective of their background.
What are some of things you think women can do to make headway in politics?
I am sure you know women are no longer in politics for crumbs, we are not in politics to be at the back row as supporters. We are in politics to make quality impact. If you want to make headway in politics, you should not complain about anything. I can tell you that men make headways because they are dedicated. If you are a good politician, you must be ready to go for meeting at anytime of the day. A good politician should get to venue ofmeeting hours before because there are pre and post meetings. You have to participate actively and look on how to make things work.
Did you get this ticket on a platter of gold?
Can you get anything politically on a platter of gold? I contested with eight men but at the end of the day I got the ticket, I will ascribe all glory to God because it was not an easy task.
What could have made you get the ticket, despite you contesting with eight men?
I can’t explain it but I am still thanking God and my people really supported me. This is the first time a woman will get this ticket in myconstituency. Before the primaries, women groups and women leaders in our party went round campaigning for me. They were so passionate about me and by God’s grace I will not let them down. In summary I have the support of my people.
Did you experiencesome kind of opposition from some of your fellow women?
People keep asking me this question and I wonder why women will oppose or not support their fellow women. I didn’t experience anything like that. We are special breed as women and it is a known fact that women are agents of change. Any woman who doesn’t get the support of her fellow womenshould check herself. Though they may besome exceptional cases but I think it is abnormal for women not to supporttheir fellow woman. As I speak with you, all women are strongly behind me. Now that you just asked me this same question I think it is a common thing. I think I am very lucky to have good women around me who gave me unflinching support.
It is a common practice for politicians to have political godfathers, who is your godfather or godmother?
Since I have the strong backing of God the Father of the universe and all my leaders are my godfathers and godmothers. Governor Ibikunle Amosun is such an exceptional leader who is gender sensitive, so it won’t be out of place if I call him my mentor and leader.
Money is another impediment against the emancipation of female politicians, as most of themdon’t have the financial muscle to campaign for elections. How much have you spent since you commenced your political campaign?
I will be deceiving you if I say I can account for what I have spent. Whatever I have spent can not be quantified with the love and support I get from my people. It is amazing and I treasure their love towardsme.
What will be your word of encouragement to female politicians who are experiencing one challenge or the other?
If women can encourage fellow women then this task will beachievable. Let us not promote negative agenda. Though it is difficult for us financially, what we need to do now is to find out what is required, we continueto move and we ensure we get there. If we have more women making more money then we will have more of us assisting women. Not all of us can be politicians;those who have the wherewithal and are not politicians will pump their money into assist those who are politicians. Even this sexual harassment which many of us complain about can be handled maturely. Who is that person that will harassyou sexually if you portray yourself in good light? Men will not come and give you rubbish if you don’t present rubbish to them. Men are afraid to approachwomen because they don’t want to be turned down. There are laws of the landthat supports us so we don’t have any problem.
What are some of your plans when you get to office?
In as much as it is not in the jurisdiction of a lawmaker to provide basic amenities, I will go out of my duties to provide amenities for my people. I will also lobby the State Government to site some infrastructures into my constituency. I want to represent my people well and propose a bill which will reduce Infant and maternal mortality, I will promote anything that has to do with women.
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