Constitution Review: Women groups insist on passage of Reserve Seat for women ahead of 2027
…seeks review of 16yrs clause on exclusion, gender inequality and violation of human rights
Women groups In the South South states of Bayelsa,Delta and Edo State staged a strong position at the House of Representative Committee on Constitution Review session held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital with a call for the urgent passage of the Reserve Seat Bill for Women before the National Assembly.
The Women Groups, including the National Women Society of Nigeria and the Iteach/TOD Foundation led by its South South Coordinator, Ebi Timi Alaibe Elezieabya, argued that the Reserve Seat Bill for Women currently before the 10th National Assembly represent a critical constitutional amendments aimed at redressing the long standing gender imbalance in the Nigeria’s political landscape.
Ebi Timi Alaibe Elezieabya, who read the memorandum in support of the Bill before the large audience of members of the House of Representative Committee led by Hon. Julius Ihonbvere and political actors from the South South states, stated that women constitute 50.02 per cent of the national population,yet remain woefully underrepresented across all levels of government
According to her, ” in the 2023 elections, only 3.6 per cent of seats in the national Assembly were occupied by women placing Nigeria 177th out of the 181 countries in global female parliamentary representation.”
She pointed out that the Bill seeks to amend House Bill 1349 of the 1999 constitution to create additional legislative seats reserved for women to enhance gender balance if passed,” if the Bill is passed and signed into law, one seat reserved for women per state and the FCT will total 37 seats, one seat reserved in the House of Representative for woman per state and FCT will total 37 seats”
” Three seats reserved for women per state House of Assembly and one from each Senatorial zone will total 108 seats.”
She also added that the proposed implementation timetable after the bill is passed is after the current legislative cycle and subject to a 16 years review clause, ” this is a temporary measure to address structural imbalance and ensure inclusive governance in Nigeria.”
“This intervention is not merely a political reform,it is a restorative measure rooted in the principles of democratic inclusion,gender equality and human rights.”
Ebi Timi Alaibe Elezieabya, while drawing loud applause from the audience and political actors, called on the State and National legislators, regardless of party or personal belief, to recognise that supporting this bill is not a partisan act but a patriotic one
“Your vote can change course of history,stand on the right side of justice,inclusion,progress. Pass the Reserved Seats Bill without delay.We have the research,we have the stories,we have the numbers and now we have the will “.
