Constitution Review: UK Calls For Special Seats For Women In Nigeria Parliament

As constitution review exercise hastens up at both chambers of the National Assembly, the United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliament Association has thrown its weight behind bill seeking for special seats for women at the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Need for passage of the bill for the required constitution amendment on women inclusiveness in governance, was made by some members of UK Parliament, during courtesy visit on the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio in Abuja.

Legislative proposal

The leader of the delegation, Kate Ofunne Osamor who pushed for consideration and passage of the bill, said the UK branch of the Commonwealth Parliament is very interested in the legislative proposal aimed at better women inclusiveness in governance.

“The delegation before you is a cross party one from the House of Commons and House of Lords from the United Kingdom under the aegis of Commonwealth Parliament Association.

“The purpose of this visit on you , is to call for your support for the special seats for women in parliament by ensuring that bills , already sponsored for that, are considered and passed,” she said.

The Bill seeking for special seats for women in parliament as sponsored in the 9th and re-sponsored in the 10th National Assembly, seeks for amendment of section 77( 1) and 117( 1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It specifically seeks to establish 37 new seats in the Senate, one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT.) The House of Representatives will add 74 seats, two for each state and the FCT just as it envisions the creation of 108 additional seats across State Houses of Assembly nationwide, allocating three seats per state.

Required consideration

In his response, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio said the bill would be looked into and given required consideration.

“In the 10th National Assembly, we have legislated with the steel of conviction. We have labored tirelessly to ensure that democracy is not a mere abstraction, but a living, breathing force that transforms lives.

“Inclusive Governance is part of our legislative agenda and in the spirit of unity, we have embraced the rich tapestry of our nation’s diversity.

He said their policies reflect the hopes and dreams of all Nigerians, strengthening the bonds that hold the country together and ensured that no citizen is left behind.

Lateefah Ibrahim