As a little girl growing up, I read about the legendary Queen Amina of Zaria. She fascinated me then and she still fascinates me now.
The mental image of the Amazon leading men to war and wreaking havoc upon her enemies whilst securing her people thrilled me and ignited hope for the womenfolk in a way that has kept me excited about the amazons of our time.
When Aisha Alhassan aka Mama Taraba was declared governor of Taraba State, very few women were more elated than me. That a Northern Muslim woman stood strong and conquered such a coveted elective office was more than an ignition of hope of great things to follow.
Unfortunately, she lost the seat by court ruling but ever since, I have held onto my faith that another woman would rise as a beacon of strength for women to run a major state in this country and get a chance to show our menfolk what gifted administrators women naturally are.
Little did I know that I wouldn’t have long to wait for another great woman to step up and make us proud.
Rising from the green chambers to the red chambers of our National Assembly, Senator Aishatu Ahmed aka Binani has clinched the gubernatorial ticket of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Adamawa state.
To state the obvious, this is next to a Herculean task for a woman from any part of Nigeria.
As expected, some men who are frightened of this bold and intelligent woman are cooking up putrid tales to smear her with. Thankfully, she is too focused to be distracted.
Binani should be given a chance to emerge as Adamawa State governor not just because she’s a woman but because she represents equity, justice, reward for hardwork and acceptability to millions of people within and beyond Nigeria.
The emergence of Binani makes a bold statement about Northern Muslim Nigeria.
Only in the North have two Muslim women emerged almost back-to-back as the gubernatorial candidates of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress, APC.
It speaks volumes of their respect for women and their capacity to provide a level political playing ground for women.
Dearest Distinguished Senator Aishatu Ahmed, you have a huge fan in me.
Although I cannot vote in the election to elect you, I am rooting for you with all my heart and will fully lend my voice to the hardwork it will take to see you become governor.
Keep the flag of girl power flying.
Insha Allah, we will all celebrate you as you step up to the plate to give Adamawa State a much needed transformation for the better.
With your victory as Governor, I expect that more women will be emboldened to attempt that which you have conquered. My heart yearns for a time when more women will be governors, when a woman will become vice-president and eventually, when a great woman will be president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I am so excited!
