Tinubu, Kalu back special parliamentary seats for women

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, have called for expeditious passage of a bill seeking to create special seats for women in  state and national assemblies.

Tinubu and Kalu, according to a statement by the deputy speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, spoke at the Art for Governance Exhibition organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with ElectHER, an advocacy group for women empowerment, in Abuja.

According to the statement, the First Lady, who was represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said  the involvement of women in leadership was crucial in shaping the country’s future.

“In the context of governance and inclusion, it offers a unique and compelling way to spotlight the urgent need for greater female representation in leadership and decision making processes.

“The artworks being displayed today serve for a Nigeria where political leadership is truly inclusive and reflective of its people. The emphasis on the affirmative action bill is essential to amplifying the message of inclusion contained in this exhibition.

“Women constitute a vital part of our nation’s progress, yet their representation in governance remains limited. Ensuring that women have a stronger voice in shaping policies, making decisions and driving national development is not just a matter of justice, it is a necessity for stable growth.

“Therefore, I support the affirmative action bill that mandates at least 35 percent of seats in the legislative and executive arms, being occupied by women. I urge the national assembly to expedite the passage of the bill. I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, women and nation building. This has been my mission as first lady of Lagos, as a senator and now as the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Mrs Tinubu stated.

Kalu, who is the lead sponsor of the bill, in his remarks, decried the under- representation of women in governance, stating that there was the need for a redress.

According to him, “We see the struggles, the resilience and the undeniable strength of women who have fought to lead, only to be met with barriers. But, barriers can be broken. That is why this exhibition is not just a cultural moment, it is an advocacy tool, a visual argument, a movement in motion. “The Art for Governance exhibition is anchored on a pivotal legislative effort: The Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024, popularly known as the Additional Seats Bill. This bill is not merely about numbers or political arithmetic; it is about justice.

“And as we push for its passage in the 10th Assembly, we recognise that legislative success is not achieved through legal arguments alone, but through the mobilisation of hearts and minds and this exhibition does precisely that, because this is not just about passing a bill; it is about shaping a legacy.”