NIGERIAN WOMEN APPLAUD 9TH ASSEMBLY

Sidi Aliyu, Abuja. Nigeria.

6 February 2022

Nigerian Women commended the 9th Assembly for positive outcomes from a retreat of the National Assembly on Electoral Reforms and Constitution Review. A committe of both the green and red chambers met in Abuja on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th February to deliberate on proposed bills promoting inclusion for national development.

Dudu Manuga, gender activist, development practitioner and female politician from Gombe acknowledged the 9th Assembly for reaching such landmark decisions with regards to women issues “I applaud them, especially the women among them who were totally sold out and lobbied their male colleagues. I am looking forward to the formal adoption at the National Assembly and subsequent buy in at the State Assemblies so that we can have the changes we not only desire but that we deserve” Manuga thanked gender experts and Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre for all the work they have put in.

Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director Invictus Africa lauded the 9th Assembly for listening to years of advocacy by women. Shonibare said our “apex law, the Constitution, is rid of clauses that perpetuate gender inequality while inputting provisions that promote women and men’s equal access to social, economic, and political goods, opportunities, and resources. Shonibare said we are now very hopeful that these amendments will be adopted; that application of these clauses will not be hindered by contradictory national and sub-national laws, policies and practices; and that relevant financial, human, and technical resources will be provided to ensure holistic and effective implementation of the law”

Chinonso Okechukwu of Nigerian Feminist Forum Imo state chapter while commending the 9th assembly hopes all of these outomes will come to a fast reality. “I am excited this development is happening in my time. It’s gratifying to know that Nigerian women will now have increased voices with all the proposed bills like citizenship clauses amended, a 10 percent minimum appointment for women in state and federal cabinets and specific electoral seat for women for every state” Okechukwu said Nigerian Women will continue to advocate for increased spaces to address systemic poverty and gender-based violence and thanked everyone who contributed to outcomes of the joint committe deliberations.

Dr Asmau Musa Adamu Convener Coaliation and Women Leadership Forum NG serving Abuja and North Central appreciated the 9th Assembly for recognising years of advocacy. Adamu said “our hopes are raised and our years of advocacy are yielding fruitful results. As giant of Africa, we wish for more spaces and opportunities. Nigerian women are capable, competent, hardworking and we want to emulate our sister countries in Africa who include more women in governance. I acknowledge efforts and hardwork of Dame Pauline Tallen minister of Women affairs, Civil Society Organisations and developmental partners”

Lois Auta President/CEO Network of Disabled Women said the Network of Women with Disabilities is proud of the huge milestones being achieved “I even turned my wheelchair in 360 in dancing mode rejoicing. God bless the 9th Assembly and enablers of this giant step to include women and women with disabilities in the political sphere”

Barrisrer Zainab Buba Marwa, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory on Community Relations appreciates the doggedness and listening ears of the 9th Assembly for changing gear and thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for exemplary leadership in the area of women inclusion. Marwa said “the door has been opened finally, the key rests in their hands and we are grateful to them. While we are thankful that we have come this far, we still move for more to be done. There is room for widespread gender mainstreaming across the board”

Atinuke Odukoya Director at Centre for Womens Health and Information in Lagos who commended the 9th Assembly for this effort asks for more to be done. Odukoya said the progress for women in the Nigerian political space is slow but with keeping steady steps we will get there.

The minister for Women Affairs Dame Pauline K.Tallen expressed gratitude and appreciation to the leadership and members of the joint Constitution Reveiew Committe. Tallen looks forward to the 9th assembly passing the recommendations of the committee.

In Nigeria only 21 out of 469 seats are occupied by women at the National Assembly and 45 out of 990 seats at state houses of assemblies. The Senate and the house of representatives will be meeting at a later date to conclude on the various bills. It is hoped that the passage of all outstanding bills will aid inclusion and foster national development.

Sidi Aliyu

news@wfm917.com

sidi@wfm917.com