37 new seats for women? APC group urges swift passage of bill

Dr Amina Kundiri, Director-General of the National All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG), has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats Bill currently before it.

This was contained in a statement issued by NAWA-ORG’s National Publicity Secretary, Evelyn Onyilo, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill proposes the creation of additional seats exclusively for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

Specifically, it calls for 37 new Senate seats—one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory—and 37 additional seats in the House of Representatives.

According to the statement, Kundiri made the appeal during a roundtable dialogue held in Abuja.

She said the passage of the bill would significantly increase the number of women in parliament and promote equity, fairness, and justice.

Kundiri noted that the organisation would continue to champion the cause of women’s empowerment, both locally and globally, to break down barriers and promote inclusiveness.

“If passed and signed into law, the bill will increase the number of women in parliament, thereby bridging the gender gaps and disparities in governance.

“It will also enhance women’s participation in governance and make their voices heard,” she stated.

Kundiri commended President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their ongoing support of gender equity in governance.

Similarly, the President of the Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance, Attahiru Ibrahim, reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the inclusion of women and youth in all spheres of national development.

Attahiru noted that women have long been marginalised in Nigeria’s political and governance landscape.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Youth Group, Dr Hadiza Jamilu, cautioned young people against being used as political thugs and urged them to desist from drug abuse.

Onyilo emphasised that women must rise to change the narrative of marginalisation by participating more actively in politics.

She also called on the government to appoint more women and youth into leadership positions.

(NAN)