The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that after the reserved seats for women, the House would champion the push for similar seats for people living with disabilities (PLWDs).
This is despite the Speaker stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are committed to empowering women through the proposed exclusive parliamentary seats for women.
The Speaker announced this in Abuja while hosting a delegation from the United Nations, led by Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, who was joined by Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of UNDP in Nigeria.
Speaker Abbas said, “Let me inform you that after addressing the reserved women’s seats, our next focus, in collaboration with the UNDP, will be on people with disabilities.” These are people who have been neglected in this country-not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
“We need to step up and ensure that they are given more visibility—more leverage, particularly on elective positions—so that they can as well contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of our country and Africa.
What we do in Nigeria can resonate throughout Africa. We believe that the initiative, if it succeeds, would also open doors across Africa. Others would emulate us by also creating special seats for persons with disabilities.
“It is another venture that we are very passionate about pursuing. I believe with Mr. President’s vision and commitment to the overall well-being of all Nigerians, it would be another project that would see the light of day, by God’s grace,” he expressed.
Speaker Abbas also informed the UNDP delegation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady have committed themselves to the Reserved Seats Bill.
“I want to use this opportunity to enlighten you more on the special seats bill, which I’m excited to say-I can confidently tell you that Mr. President and the First Lady of the country are 100 per cent on board with this matter. Within the last six months, Mr. President has had cause to speak on reserved seats for women at different fora.
“Just three weeks ago, we had another very fruitful engagement with him and the First Lady on the way forward and what we need to do to ensure that in the ongoing constitution review this issue of reserved seats is well captured and endorsed, not only by the National Assembly but also by the sub-national governments in the 36 states.”
The Speaker also explained that as part of cutting financial and logistical costs in electing female lawmakers to occupy the reserved seats, an electoral college made up of elected public officers has been proposed to vote for candidates for the exclusive seats.
Earlier, Eziakonwa commended Speaker Abbas for championing the cause of women’s inclusion and gender equality in Nigeria.
She said, “You have, really, a tough job, and it is very important. Under the 10th Parliament, I think, championing very important, significant reforms that are transformational that mark a new beginning for this country.
“I just want to commend you for your courage in standing strong on some of these tough issues for the nation. The one that is close to my heart is the (proposed) reserved seats for women (in parliament).
The UN official added, “We hope that, with your unparalleled leadership and goodwill, all the efforts will bear some fruit, because on the UNDP side, we really believe that this is not just a right issue; it is a development issue. If we can leverage all of our population, men and women, equally for leadership, I think we will advance our steps a lot.”
While noting that “everyone is looking at this country to step the right foot forward,” Eziakonwa stated that “Nigeria is a shining example for us to sustain democracy in Africa.”
Furthermore, Attafuah commended Speaker Abbas for his efforts towards realising reserved seats for women in parliaments.
“I want to once again underscore the leadership of our Speaker in the country; he has continued to promote inclusive development. He has introduced reforms that are unprecedented in the history of this country,” she said.
A bill proposing the creation of special seats for women in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly is being considered by the Federal Parliament as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
