Nigeria Women under the aegis of 100 Women Lobby Group have called on the National Assembly to support the bill seeking 111 additional seats for women at the legislative houses.

The women while lamenting that Nigeria’s electoral system has been unfair to Women thanked the house of representatives for supporting the bill and urged the Senate to support the passage of the bill.

According to Felicia Onibon, National Coordinator of 100 Women Lobby Group
Nigerian women have proven to be capable and worthy of leadership positions in all sectors and the few women in governance have shown that having more women in governance will foster growth. Onibon thanked President Mohammadu Buhari, all the He for She Governors, male allies in the National assembly and religious leaders who have continuously support Women and Children.

Ebere Ifendu, President of Women in Politics Forum said legislation is the best way to support women’s participation process in governance. While acknowledging the support of some members of the National Assembly, she said a gendered federal character commission is eminent. Ifendu urged for the passage of 111 additional seats, affirmative action bill and the reviewed Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill which was stepped down.

Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Aisha Dukku while speaking to Women Radio in Abuja said the bill had gotten the support of many and hoped that the bill alongside the 35 percent affirmative action will be implemented.

The additional 111 seats is sponsored by the deputy chief whip Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and co sponsored by Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.

In Nigeria only 21 out of 469 seats are being occupied by women at the National Assembly and 45 out of 990 seats in state house of assemblies. It is hoped that the passage of the 111 aditional seats, reviewed Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and other gendered bills to aid inclusion and foster national development.

Esther Alaribe
news@wfm917.com
www.wfm917.com