From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that creating special seats for women in the Federal Legislature will not over burden the Federal Government financially.
Kalu, according to a statement by his special assistant, on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, stated this delivering his remarks at a legislative evening on women’s political representation, organized by the House Committee on Constitution Review.
The deputy speaker, who also chairs the House Special Committee on Constitution Review, stated that low number of women in governance could lead to underutilization of talent, limited innovation, and lost opportunities for economic growth.
The House is presently considering a bill sponsored by Kalu to create special seats for women in the two chambers of the National Assembly, as well as in State Houses of Assembly. Recall that the 9th assembly had rejected a similar bill in the last constitution alteration exercise.
Regardless, the deputy speaker, while drumming support for the proposed legislation, cited a research which suggests that Nigeria could gain up to 9% in GDP growth by 2025 with improved women’s participation.
According to him, “Nigeria could gain an increase of 9% in GDP growth by 2025 with improved women’s participation. That’s what statistics have shown. So which means we are losing 9% growth in our GDP because women are not participating.
“I have no fear that if we do our part, that Mr. President will assent to it. I say so because he’s gender friendly. He was the man who allowed the wife to go and be a senator. And then he went home. And he was sitting at home and watching the wife on television, you know, representing his people.
“Only a few people, you know, will be able to do that. And because he’s a gender sensitive president, you know, he will be able to accept it. I have no fear. I have so much belief in the president with regards to how he wants to transform this country. It’s not a political talk.
“The measure is subject to review after four general election cycles (16 years), ensuring it is a fast-track, not a permanent, intervention. These new seats do not affect existing constituencies and are directly elected, ensuring legitimacy and accountability. Women remain eligible to contest all regular seats. Women in special seats have the same privileges and responsibilities as other legislators. After 16 years, the provision will be reassessed for continuation, modification, or repeal.
“The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and approval by at least 24 State Assemblies, followed by Presidential Assent. The reserved seats model is the most feasible and effective option within Nigeria’s current electoral framework. The built-in sunset clause ensures that the measure remains a temporary catalyst for change, not a permanent fixture.”
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