Bill to create 111 additional electoral seats for women scales second reading

A bill to provide more representation for women in government by creating 111 additional electoral seats has scaled second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill codenamed, ‘House 1301’, is being sponsored by Chairperson, House Committee on Aviation, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. It is co-sponsored by House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Onyejeocha, while speaking to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, explained: “If women are given the opportunity for the next four electoral seasons, at the end of that, they will need to vie for electoral seats. It’s not a permanent thing; it is just to give them the leverage, the platform where they will be tested. Since women are clamouring for so much, it is like giving them a chance temporarily, to see how they can perform.”

Onyejeocha said the Speaker’s emphasis that gender is at the centre of his administration proves he would ensure it takes priority over several issues including youth, the less privileged and handicapped.

“Yesterday, there was a men’s conference where he gave a powerful commitment. Today, again, he came here himself and gave the same commitment. It goes a long way in providing equal opportunity for women,” she said.

She said a female Presidency is possible in 2023 if politicians and kingmakers give them the opportunity. “All the people that have become Presidents were supported by people. If the players, the kingmakers decide that a woman should become the next President, then that is it,” she said.

Onyejeocha added: I am not dreaming to become President. There are people dreaming to become president and I am supporting them.”

(Adapted from The Guardian)