Media Executives in Kwara have called for quick passage of the Special Seat for Women in Parliaments
Bill to enhance gender inclusion and participation of more women in politics.
The call was made on Monday in Ilorin at a Media Roundtable organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Stand to End Rape Initiative,
on Amplifying Awareness on the Special Seat for Women parliaments Bill.
The Convener of the discussion, Edith Isiek, said the discussion was imperative because the Nigerian political space is largely dominated by men,
which she said has not given room for gender inclusion.
She said “the political environment is plagued with violence, which is unfavourable for women, hence the need to make special case for women.”
Isiek added that the bill, which was first proposed in 2021 by Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha but rejected and reintroduced in 2024 by the Deputy Speaker,
Benjamin Kalu and 12 others, would give women a voice when passed into law.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill seeks the creation of extra 74 seats for women, and an amendment to sections 48 and 49 of the
constitution.
The bill which has passed second reading at the House of Representatives, is meant to provide one special seat exclusively reserved for women
in the senate and the house of representatives for each state and the FCT.
The bill also seeks to amend Section 91 of the document to provide three special seats reserved for women in state houses of assembly.
The Chairman, Kwara Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Abdullateef Ahmed, said the council aligns with the quick
passsage of the bill to ensure gender inclusivity in governance and not only politics.
Ahmed said it was time religious leaders change the orientation of followers that women needed to be involved in governance and politics generally.
He explained that the family unit also has a role to perform in reducing patriarchy by treating all children equally, irrespective of their gender.
The Executive Director, Olu Adeyemi Foundation, said there was no better time to lend a voice to the quick passage of the bill to empower
women and prepare them ahead of the 2027 elections than now.
Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, the National Coordinator, Muslim Media Watch Group, said that the bill, when passed, would give courageous and
competent women the chance to contribute their quota to national development.
He said as media houses, editorial and commentaries should feature successful women and encourage others to tow their path.
Mrs Bola Ayantola-Bello, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Women of Journalists (NAWOJ), Kwara Chapter, said women should gear
up to face the challenges when seeking a voice, by having strong will.
Former Kwara NUJ Chairman, Mr Biodun Abdulkareem, said passing the bill would encourage more women to join politics.
He called on the wives of the state governors to take it upon themselves to lobby the bill in the House of Representatives to ensure
its speedy passage. (NAN)
