The United Kingdom branch of the Commonwealth Parliament Association, today, called for special seats for women at the National and State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria in the ongoing constitution amendment process.
The leader of the delegation, Kate Ofunne Osamor, who pushed for consideration and passage of a Bill seeking special seats for women in Nigerian Legislature, said the UK branch of the Commonwealth Parliament is interested in the legislative proposal aimed at enhancing women inclusiveness in governance, reports The Nation.
“The delegation before you is across party lines 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 special seats for women in parliament by ensuring that bill, already sponsored for that, is considered and passed,” she said.
The Bill seeking for special seats for women in parliament as sponsored in the 9th and represented 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).
If the Bill is passed and assented to, 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.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the bill would be looked into and given required consideration.
He said: “In the 10th National Assembly, we have legislated with the zeal of conviction. We have laboured 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.
“Our policies reflect the hopes and dreams of all Nigerians, strengthening the bonds that hold us together and ensuring that no citizen is left behind.”
