By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliament Association yesterday backed the bill seeking special seats for women at the National and State Houses of Assembly.
This occurred just as the constitution review exercise was in its advanced stage in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Some members of the UK Parliament threw their weight behind the bill during a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in Abuja yesterday.
The leader of the delegation, Kate Ofunne Osamor, pushed for consideration and passage of the bill.
She said the UK branch of the Commonwealth Parliament is very interested in the legislative proposal to improve women’s inclusion in governance.
Osamor said, “The delegation before you is a cross-party one from the House of Commons and House of Lords from the United Kingdom under the aegis of the Commonwealth Parliament Association.
“The purpose of this visit to you is to call for your support for the special seats for women in parliament by ensuring that bills, already sponsored for that, are considered and passed,” she said.
The Bill seeking special seats for women in parliament, sponsored in the 9th and re-sponsored in the 10th National Assembly, seeks to amend sections 77 (1) and 117 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It specifically seeks to establish 37 new Senate seats, one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The House of Representatives will add 74 seats, two for each state and the FCT, just as it envisions creating 108 additional seats across State Houses of Assembly nationwide, allocating three seats per state.
In his response, the President of the Senate said the bill would be investigated and given the required consideration.
He said, “In the 10th National Assembly, we have legislated with the steel of conviction. We have laboured tirelessly to ensure that democracy is not a mere abstraction, but a living, breathing force transforming lives.
“Inclusive Governance is part of our legislative agenda, and in the spirit of unity, we have embraced the rich tapestry of our nation’s diversity.
“Our policies reflect the hopes and dreams of all Nigerians, strengthening the bonds that hold us together and ensuring that no citizen is left behind.”
Akpabio said the Nigerian parliament would strengthen the age-long partnership and commercial activities between the country and Britain by passing necessary legislation.
He said, “Our economic partnership stands as a pillar of progress, with trade exceeding £7.5 billion, and our newly signed Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) promising to usher in an era of unparalleled opportunity.
“But let no man think that trade alone defines our bond! No, our connection is more prosperous, broader, and more profound—it is woven into the very fabric of our peoples, our institutions, our schools, the halls of learning where young minds are shaped, and the corridors of leadership where destinies are decided.
“As we stand upon the precipice of a new era, let recommit to the sentiment that this partnership shall not weaken! It shall not waver! It shall not falter! There are many challenges before us, but our resolve is greater.”
