A Bill was today 9th of July 2024, sponsored by Right Honourable Benjamin Okezie Kalu for an Act to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for reservation of seats for Women in the National and State Assemblies....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
According to the sponsor of the Bill, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, “The Bill is aimed at addressing a profound imbalance in our Legislative Houses—the under-representation of Women in the Legislative Houses at the National and sub-national levels.
“This bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, specifically to provide for seat reservations for Women in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.
“It is anchored on the fundamental principle of equitable representation and aims to empower women by ensuring their voices are not only heard but that they actively contribute to shaping the legislative landscape and the overall development of our nation.
“The issue of gender equality and representation lies at the heart of our constitutional democracy. Despite the constitutional guarantee of equal rights, the representation of women in our Legislative Houses has been alarmingly low.
“In the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assemblies, women accounted for only 6.4%, 6.1%, and 2.7% of the Senate respectively; and 6.4%, 3.05%, and 4.7% of the House of Representatives respectively.
“These statistics underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure equitable representation and amplify the voices of women in our legislative houses at the national and sub-national levels.
“Mr Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, the rationale behind this amendment is grounded in the principles of fairness and inclusivity. Globally, Nigeria lags behind in women’s representation in parliament, ranking among the lowest.
“Countries that have implemented affirmative action, like Rwanda and Andorra, have seen significant strides towards gender equality in governance. This bill proposes a temporary measure of seat reservation for women to catalyse similar progress in Nigeria, ensuring that women’s perspectives and priorities are fully integrated into our national and sub-national decision-making processes.
“This bill proposes alterations to some sections of our Constitution to wit:
(a) an alteration of Sections 48 and 49 to provide for one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, effective after the term of the current National Assembly and subject to review every sixteen years;
(b) an alteration of Section 91 to provide for three special seats reserved exclusively for women in Houses of Assembly of each State of the Federation which shall be spread across the three senatorial districts of each State; and
(c) consequential amendments to sections 71, 77, and 117 to ultimately establish special constituencies reserved exclusively for women, ensuring their direct election into and participation in legislative houses and processes at both the federal and state levels.
Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu concluded that, “As we deliberate on this bill, let us recognize the historic opportunity before us to rectify decades of gender underrepresentation in our Legislative Houses.
“This alteration is not just about equity; it is about harnessing the full potential of our Nation by leveraging the diverse perspectives and talents of all Nigerians irrespective of gender.
“Let us rise above partisan divides and unite in support of this transformative alteration, which promises to empower women and strengthen the fabric of our nation.
“Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and lay the foundation for a future where every Nigerian, regardless of gender, has an equal stake in shaping our nation’s destiny.
On his part, the Minority leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, supported the bill, saying the parliament needs to correct the deficiency.
“We must make a deliberate effort to solve problems where we see them,” he said.
Kelechi Nwogu from Rivers, corroborated Chinda’s argument, saying women should be given a “better opportunity” in politics.
A lawmaker from Kano State, Ghali Tijani said rather than reserve special seats for women, political parties should deploy mechanisms to improve women’s participation in politics.
While Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala from Oyo, Patrick Umoh from Akwa Ibom, and Billy Osawaru from Edo also opposed the bill, saying it was at variance with the provisions of the constitution.
The Bill was Co-Sponsored by:
Hon. Tolani Shagaya
Hon. M. D. Hassan
Hon. Oriyomi A. Onanuga
Hon. Blessing Onuh
Hon. Joshua Audu Gana
Hon. Kama Nkemkanma
Hon. Chinwe Clara Nnabuife
Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah
Hon. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim
Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi
Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko
Hon. Francis Waive
It could be recalled that a similar Bill was debated in the plenary in the 9th Assembly but failed to scale through in both Chambers of the bi-cameral Legislature….READ FULL ARTICLE
