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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers of Nigeria, Mrs. Lami Danladi-Ogenyi, has renewed the call for the immediate passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill which is currently before the National Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker made the call during a meeting of Deputy Speakers and presentation of report of the joint committees on Constitution Review as well as the celebration of ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th anniversary in Abuja.
Ogenyi noted that the bill remains a national imperative aimed at correcting long-standing gender imbalances and ensuring that women come into political circle and participate actively in all electoral processes.
She said the bill is not just a legislation but a rallying point for inclusivity, democracy, and nation-building, where women with political ambitions to participate in politics and be accorded desired and equal opportunity to serve their country.
The Deputy Speaker appealed to the national assembly members to make history by giving their full support and ensure that the bill is given speedy attention and passed into law.
She hailed the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu for anchoring and championing the course of women in politics in Nigeria.
“The deputy speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has single handedly come out with this bill for special seats for women to enhance their participation in politics, which has actually encouraged them. This must be commended.
“We need more women in politics. I really appreciates the speaker for the bill to reserve special seats for women. We need more women in politics and that is why we are advocating and pushing for the 35% affirmative action for women. This has to be implemented. If the law is passed and implemented, it would help many women who have ambitions to come into the political circle.
“The women are scared now to come into the political circle even when they are willing to. They are scared about how the men oppressed them by not giving them space to vy for elective positions.”
The Benue lawmaker who represents Ado State Constituency, insisted that passing the bill would bring Nigeria closer to international standards on gender inclusion and reflect its democratic values.
