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Bill To Create Special Seats for Women in National, State Assemblies Passes Second Reading Amid Oppositions

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By Gloria Ikibah.

 

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill to create special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assemblies.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to provide for seat reservation for women in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly and for related matters”, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 12 others, seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (As Amended) and provide for seat reservations for women in the national assembly as well as the state houses of assembly.

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The co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. Tolani Shagaya, Rep. M. D. Hassan, Rep. Oriyomi Onanuga, Rep. Blessing Onuh, Rep. Joshua Gana, Rep. Kama Nkemkanma and Rep. Chinwe Nnabuife.

Others are Rep. Amobi Ogah, Rep. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi, Rep. Jafaru Leko and Rep. Francis Waive.

Speaking on the general principles of the bill, Rep. Joshua Gana said when passed, the bill will enable the women to contribute their quota to national development.

He said: “Today, I stand before this esteemed House to lead the debate on a pivotal constitutional alteration bill that is aimed at addressing a profound imbalance in our Legislative Houses—the underrepresentation of women in legislative houses at the national and sub-national levels.

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“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.”

Speaking on the reason for the reservation of legislative seats for women, Rep. Gana explained that Nigeria is ranking low in women representation in parliament.

“The rationale behind this amendment is grounded in the principles of fairness and inclusivity. Globally, Nigeria lags 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.

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“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”, he added.

The bill seeks to alter 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.

It is also seeks to alter 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.

The bill further proposed consequential amendments to sections 71, 77, and 117 of the Constitution 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.

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The piece of legislation however received a robust debate by various lawmakers for and against, prompting the lead sponsor and deputy speaker to suggest stepping down until a day he will not be presiding.

According to him, this will help to dismiss issues of sentiment and biases as the presiding officer.

Lawmakers were however divided over the proposed legislation but the bill was subsequently passed as Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary pleaded with his colleagues that whatever grievances they have against the bill should be reserved for public hearing.

Although, Kalu had earlier opined that the bill be stood down for more consultation but members insisted that he should put it to vote.

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Subjected to a voice vote, the majority of the lawmakers gave their nod for the second reading of the bill, necessitating its passage.

The bill was eventually referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative input.

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Politics

Ihedioha’s Ex-CoS, Others Dump PDP For APC

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A former Chief of Staff to ex-governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State, Chris Okewulonu, alongside Ihedioha’s former deputy governorship candidate, Chuma Nnaji, have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The duo, alongside their supporters, defected on Friday.

At the APC secretariat in Owerri, the state capital, Okewulonu addressed party members.

He said “You will recall that a few months ago, I tendered my resignations, both as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, and as a member of its Board of Trustees,” Okewulonu stated.

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“My decision to leave that party was taken after deep introspection, coupled with lengthy consultations with members of my family, my political colleagues, and my well-wishers.

“My decision was equally rooted in my conviction that the qualities which formed the essence of the PDP as a political party, and which ab initio informed my attraction to it, had been continuously eroded, totally degraded, and finally and irretrievably lost,” he said.

Okewulonu explained that his break from political activity allowed him to observe Imo’s political landscape critically.

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“In the light of the protracted disagreements and schisms in both of the parties which should, and were actually looked upon to constitute the frontline opposition parties in Nigeria, I found myself questioning whether, as a veritable statesman in the polity of Imo State and even Nigeria at large, I could afford to continue paying lip service to being a member of an ineffective, nearly non-existent opposition, whereas I could position myself to actively contribute towards improving the lives of my people,” he added.

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He acknowledged Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership and his achievements.

“Five years down the road, I have come to the inescapable conviction that the 3R administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma has meant well for the people of Imo State, and has been doing its utmost to effectively and efficiently deliver the dividends of good governance to them.

“The humongous roads and other infrastructural interventions, and the human capacity building initiatives undertaken by the Senator Hope Uzodimma administration are eloquent testimonials to my belief and assertion,” Okewulonu said.

Uzodimma welcomed the defectors, emphasising the significance of their decision.

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“APC was seen as a foreign party because of the unfortunate outing in the past. We became victims of mistaken identity. Today, the only party that meant well for Imo citizens is APC,” Uzodimma said.

He described the defection as a testament to APC’s growing influence in the state.

“Genuine members of the political class who want Imo to move forward are joining the winning party. The real state owners are coming back to the party. If we don’t solve the problem of our people, history will not forgive us,” the governor added.

Uzodimma praised Okewulonu and Nnaji’s decision to join APC, likening the development to recruiting elite players in sports.

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“Conscience is an open wound that only truth can heal. I thank Okewulonu and Chuma Nnaji for joining our party. We have the Ronaldos and Lionel Messis in our party now,” he remarked.

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Politics

Ganduje declares Tony Okocha APC leader in Rivers

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has affirmed that Chief Tony Okocha is the leader of the party in Rivers State.

According to Ganduje, the executive committee headed by Okocha, an ally of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister, Nyesom Wike, is the Rivers State APC leadership structure recognized by the national secretariat of the party.

Ganduje made this declaration on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the newly elected state executive committee of the party.

The APC national chairman congratulated the newly elected members and explained the party’s decision to hold the inauguration in Rivers State instead of at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja.

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Ganduje said, “I’d like to congratulate the newly elected members of our state executive.

“Traditionally in APC the inauguration of a state chapter is usually done at the state headquarters of the APC in Abuja.

“But as part of the change that we are introducing, we decided to inaugurate these elected executive members here in Rivers so that our party is rooted to the grassroots; so that there is no dichotomy between the national executive and the state exco.

“We are all working together and we don’t feel reluctant even to go to the ward level and undertake our function that is for APC.

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He emphasized that the move signifies the party’s effort to strengthen ties between the national and state leadership, ensuring there is no division between the two structures.

Ganduje charged the state executive committee to prioritize internal democracy, highlighting it as a cornerstone of their responsibilities.

He also underscored the importance of fostering unity and inclusiveness within the party at the state level.

Ganduje added, “Therefore the state is our constituency. We need to embrace the state. We need to be in contact with the state. We need to be in harmony with the state.

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“We need to synergise with the state and we need to be in love with the state. That is why we are here.

“As members and leaders of our party in the state, you know your basic responsibilities, your functions as spelt out by the constitution of our great party.

“You have to ensure that there is internal democracy. You’re to ensure that you look for new entrants into the party and look for members into the party.

“Use your political dexterity to ensure that our party moves forward. Strengthen the party in your constituencies. It is absolutely necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that there is peace and you must ensure an effective conflict resolution mechanism. As leaders of the party, I believe you are equal to the task.”

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Commenting on APC’s performance in the South-South geopolitical zone, traditionally dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ganduje noted that the APC has made significant progress, citing its control of Cross River and Edo states.

He further stated that Rivers State is the party’s next strategic target as it continues its expansion efforts in the region.

“You are from the South-South geo-political zone where the zone was dominated by the PDP.

“But you are fully aware that during the Buhari administration, we were able to take one state, Cross River, from the PDP.

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“And in present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration, we were able to win squarely in Edo State. Out of six states in the zone, we have recovered two.

“Rivers State is our target. Rivers, we are here for you. Rivers, you are on the way.”

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Politics

Ganduje boasts, says we’re ready to capture Rivers State in 2027

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has boasted that the party’s target is to wrestle Rivers state from the grip of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) come 2027.

Ganduje made this known in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the state working committee on Saturday. He was accompanied by top officials of the party who expressed their support for the new Exco in the state.

In his address, the party’s national South-South vice chairman, Victor Giadom, said the party is gearing up to take over the state.

This inauguration was held despite question marks around the legality of the process.

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The national legal adviser administers the oath of office to the Exco.

In his vote of thanks, the leader of the Exco praises his team, saying they’ve done well,

For the national chairman, however, the aim is to bring Rivers into the fold and increase APC’s states in the zone to three.

Though the party’s NWC recognizes the Tony Okocha-led Exco, there is a court judgement recognizing Emeka Beke as the party’s chairman in the state which is yet to be vacated and it’s still unclear how that will affect the party going into 2025.

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