The National Assembly has proposed the creation of 74 extra seats completely reserved for girls in Senate and (*74*) of Representatives as a part of ongoing efforts to deal with gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political illustration.
The proposal, which additionally offers for 3 extra seats for girls in every of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, is designed to develop girls’s participation in legislative decision-making with out displacing present constituencies or elected lawmakers.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed the proposal on Monday whereas talking on the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State Chapter.
Bamidele, who can be Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, stated the proposal shaped a part of the continued structure modification train being undertaken by the tenth National Assembly.
He defined that the proposed association would supply 37 extra seats in Senate and one other 37 in (*74*) of Representatives, making certain that each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory would have one extra consultant in every chamber.
According to him, the proposed particular seats are supposed to supply girls with better entry to elective positions and decision-making platforms, notably towards the background of their traditionally low illustration in Nigeria’s legislative establishments.
He said, “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly and for related matters is receiving our attention at the National Assembly.”
Bamidele disclosed that the Constitution Review Committee had additionally really helpful three extra seats for girls in every State (*74*) of Assembly.
He burdened that the proposed seats can be completely reserved for girls and wouldn’t have an effect on present electoral constituencies or displace any serving lawmaker.
The association, he added, would function for 16 years, masking 4 electoral cycles, after which it might endure a complete assessment.
Bamidele defined, “This arrangement is proposed to run for a period of 16 years, four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review. This is a sunset clause designed to ensure sustainability and to allow for the organic development of a more inclusive political culture.”
The senate chief expressed confidence that the proposal would safe the mandatory legislative backing, notably from the state Houses of Assembly, whose approval is constitutionally required to finish the modification course of.
“We are actively and strategically engaging with the State Houses of Assembly, as their concurrence is a constitutional sine qua non for bringing this reform to fruition,” he stated.
Bamidele described the proposed particular seats as a basic democratic reform moderately than a partisan political initiative, stating {that a} consultant democracy can’t operate successfully whereas excluding a considerable proportion of the inhabitants from legislative decision-making.
He stated the initiative adopted intensive consultations and consensus-building, including that the National Assembly intentionally commenced the constitutional assessment course of early to permit adequate time for scrutiny and wider stakeholder participation.
He stated the tenth National Assembly’s dedication to the initiative had additionally been strengthened by advocacy from distinguished figures, together with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Bamidele said that the under-representation of ladies in political establishments required deliberate legislative intervention. He stated the proposed reform was supposed to strengthen democratic inclusion and be sure that girls’s pursuits obtained sufficient consideration within the formulation of public insurance policies.
He said, “The particular seat initiative will not be a partisan endeavour. It is a historic crucial.
“The rationale is anchored on a easy, but profound, precept of constitutional legislation: the foundational principle of consultant democracy.
“A democracy that systematically excludes over half of its population from the decision-making tables that determine their futures is, at best, a flawed democracy and, at worst, a veiled oligarchy.”
The senate chief additionally highlighted the necessity for legislative interventions to guard girls, youngsters, and different susceptible teams, notably within the areas of healthcare, schooling, and social safety.
He maintained that authorities had a duty to supply sufficient safeguards the place prevailing market circumstances, cultural practices, and institutional weaknesses failed to guard susceptible residents.
On entry to justice, Bamidele insisted that the nation’s authorized framework should reply successfully to rising threats towards girls and kids, stressing that justice mustn’t stay a constitutional promise or a provision within the statute books.
“Rather, it must be accessible, affordable, timely, and effective,” he stated.
Bamidele added, “A lady who suffers home violence should have the ability to search safety with out intimidation or social condemnation. A baby who experiences abuse should be heard, protected against additional hurt, and supplied with acceptable help.
“Victims must have access to legal assistance, medical care, and psychosocial services, while perpetrators must be held accountable in accordance with due process and the rule of law.”
FIDA, Ekiti State Chapter, chaired by Mrs. Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, organised the Law Week with the theme, “Justice in a Changing World: Responding to New Challenges Affecting Women and Children.”
The occasion was attended by Chairman of (*74*) of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation, Hon. Steve Fatoba; Speaker of Ekiti State (*74*) of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; and different dignitaries.
Sunday Ehigiator
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