NCWS C'River Central Advances Effort for Women's Parliamentary Reserved Seats ... Petitions National Assembly
Hannah ARIKPO
The National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) Cross River Central Senatorial district has joined Women in the Country to advocate for increased representation at the House of Representatives, the Senate and state House of Assembly.
In an advocacy visit to the Member representing Abi/Yakurr state constituency, Right Hon. Alex Egbona, the Women from the six local governments of Central Senatorial district of Cross River, called on Dr Egbona to champion and actively sponsor the swift passage of special seats for Women Bill in the various Houses of Assembly.
A petition subtitled, "Urgent demand for the passage of 'Special Seats for Women Bill' to enhance inclusive governance in Nigeria," the Vice President, National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) Cross River Central, Mrs. Julia Emmanuel Agbor appealed to the Reps Member to ensure the Bill secures the required two-thirds majority in both Houses of Reps and the Senate, Vote in favour of the Bill when subjected to a vote on the floor of the House as well as reject any motion aimed at diluting or re-postponing the consideration of the Bill.
Mrs Agbor who retired as a Deputy Director in the state Fire Service, cited reasons for the Bill which includes International Obligation, Nigeria being a signatory to international Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the MAPUTO Protocol which mandates the adoption of temporary special matters to increase women participation.
Other bases for the promulgation of the Bill is the fact that, increased female representation in governance can lead to better outcomes in health, education and community development for economic empowerment while women reserved seats at the lawmaking Houses in the Country is critical for fostering inclusive national cohesion and stability.
"The Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create additional seats reserved for women at the National and state assemblies, is a pragmatic, temporary and affirmative action necessary to correct a historical imbalance. This step will bring Nigeria in line with international best practices, including the African Union's agenda and that of ECOWAS gender policy." She explained.
Receiving the Women, on behalf of the Abi/Yakurr Reps Member, Hon.Alex Egbona, one of his Aides, Mr John Ayaa, lauded the Women for taking proactive measures to press home their demands.
He noted that with the gender- friendly posture of the present administration at both state and national levels the Bill will be assuredly signed into law.
"The Bill for the passage of Special Seats for Women is not new to me. I have been part of the process from the beginning. I assure you the Bill will be signed into law soon," Alex assured.
Among women who spoke, Hon Josephine Eni of the Cross River state Urban Renewal Agency, acknowledged the efforts of the Reps Member in empowering and supporting women activities in the Constituency and urged him to intensify more efforts for the realisation of women inclusitivity in governance.
