Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim says the Special Seats Bill is more than a piece of legislation
The Minister described it as “a legacy-defining reform that will correct historical imbalances, deepen Nigeria’s democracy, and inspire future generations of women to lead with confidence”.
She spoke at “a Dinner/Legislative Evening on Women’s Political Representation with Women Legislators from the State Houses of Assembly” in Abuja.
The event hosted by the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review Benjamin Okezie Kalu and the Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the European Union (EU) was convened to discuss and update female legislators and Stakeholders on the progress made with respect to Constitution Review, especially the Special Seats Bill for Women.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim appreciated President Bola Tinubu for championing the gender equity as a national pillar of transformation, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her tireless advocacy and motherly resolve to elevate Nigerian women.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, She commended the Leadership of the House of Representatives, for the uncommon Courage and vision, demonstrated in the unwavering strategic commitment in championing the cause of women, that has been central to advancing the Special Seats Bill.
“Let us at this moment look at this as not just a bill, but a turning point in the history of our great nation, in the history of Africa and in the history of humanity.”
” The path we choose today will echo through history as a bold step towards equity, justice, and national renewal.” She said
She expressed belief for positive outcomes and commended the House Committee on Constitutional Review, the Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the European Union for their invaluable partnership in hosting the timely and strategic engagement and bringing the bill to limelight.
“The serene environment and thoughtful atmosphere we are experiencing today, reflects the spirit of what we seek, a balanced, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria, where every voice, every voice, and every citizen has a seat at the table.” She added.
Legislative Backing
The Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu speaking on the HB1349 bill and its enormous benefits, pledged support for Legislative backing and urged women legislators to consult, engage more, advocate and educate constituents on the bill.
“… HB 1349. That is the brand. You should promote that brand HB 1349. HB means house bill, House bill 1349. So if they ask you what bill do you want us to vote for?What is this bill? You tell them 1349,” He stated.
While charging female Legislators and Stakeholders on ownership and proper branding of the bill, Kalu said “You should promote 1349 to the extent that anybody who hears 1349, they know they are talking about the reserve seat bill. So own it. Own that number.”
Contextual Background
In 2016 the Gender & Equal Opportunities Bill
( GEO Bill) sponsored by Senator Abiodun Olujimi was rejected.
In 2019, the “Women’s Quota for Election into the Senate, House of Representatives and Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory Bill” sponsored by Hon Sadiq Abubakar was stepped down.
In the 9th assembly Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila co-sponsored the “Additional Legislative Seats Bill” supported by 85 other members, passed second reading but didn’t recieve legislative assent.
Reserved Seats Bill
The same bill has been reintroduced in the 10th assembly by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu with some ammendments as the House Bill on “Reserved Seats for Women” in Nigeria’s Parliament (HB1349).
Media Involvement
Chief Executive Officer Eomen Radio, Toun Sonaiya speaking to Voice of Nigeria said the Media has to advocate, educate, report and amplify the benefits of the bill for its successful passage.
“We should raise awareness about the bill, its objectives, and its benefits for Nigeria. This includes explaining the constitutional amendment process, the role of the Senate and House of Representatives and the importance of presidential assent,”
Sonaiya added that the media should make information more accessible in local languages and promote positive and accurate portrayals of women, their roles in politics and avoid perpetuating stereotypes and biases.
“we can break it down into local languages and share it on our various platforms, ensuring that everyday Nigerians are informed. We can also facilitate discussions, provide regular updates on the bill’s progress and encourage stakeholders, particularly governors, to support the bill,”
The media should commend the National Assembly for initiating a constitutional review and remind leaders of their commitment to women’s representation. We should also counter misinformation and debunk misconceptions about the bill,” she said
Overview
Nigeria’s National Assembly currently ranks 179 out of 183 in women’s representation with 4.05% seats occupied by women.
The Reserved Seats Bill #HB1349 as proposed and advocated for,as part of ongoing Constitution Review, would reserve 74 Federal and 108 State seats for women in the nations legislature.
This would advance women inclusion and participation and ensure a balance in political representation in governance for national development.
It would run for 16years in the first instance and may be reviewed thereafter.
Lateefah Ibrahim