10th Assembly: Group tasks President Tinubu on women inclusion

The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) on Friday urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the inclusion of women in the leadership positions at the 10th National Assembly.

Mrs Mufuliat Fijabi, CEO, NWTF, made the call in a statement in Abuja.

Fijabi lamented the alleged systemic exclusion of female senators-elect and members-elect based on the zoning of principal officers in leadership positions at the 10th NASS.

“We are alarmed by the position of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the zoning arrangement for electing presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives.

” The zoning arrangement is a clear disregard to the capabilities of the Nigerian women who have fought the hurdles to clinch the seats at both lower and upper chambers with requisite knowledge in the operations of the National Assembly even as ranking members.

” This arrangements completely excludes women from becoming principal officers of the 10th NASS ahead of the inauguration on June 13,” she said.

According to her, this was not in tandem with the President’s proclaimed Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal High Court mandate on 35 per cent affirmative action for women in all positions.

“The hope of the Nigerian women is again dashed by this act . We therefore call for the inclusion of female Senators-elect and female Members-elect in the zoning arrangement for principal officers of the National Assembly.

” This also contradicts the court Judgment of 6 April, 2022 by the Federal High Court Abuja, mandating the government to implement a minimum of 35 per cent Affirmative Action in all positions,” she said.

She reiterated the commitment of NWTF of closing gender gaps at all levels of governance and improving Women’s Leadership and Political Participation.

NAN/N.O