By Amina Ahmed
The League of Women Voters in Nigeria (NILOWV), and Nigeria Women Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Bauchi state have submitted copies of petition to six out of the 12 members representing Bauchi State in the lower chamber of the National Assembly on Special Seats for Women Bill.
The petition, signed by FIDA and several other women groups in Bauchi on Tuesday in Bauchi laid before the representatives from the state.
The bill seeks to create additional seats for women in the National and State Assemblies to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance.
The state chairperson of NILOWV, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed urged the lawmakers to support the proposed legislation.
She noted that despite women constituting nearly half of Nigeria’s population and contributing significantly to socio-economic development, their representation in elective positions remains below five per cent.
According to them, the situation represents a major democratic gap that limits inclusiveness and balanced decision-making.
The advocacy visit covered six lawmakers, including those representing Bauchi, Misau/Dambam, Toro, Jama’are/Itas-Gadau, and Ganjuwa /Darazo,Dass, Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituencies, while others were represented by their legislative aides.
The group urged Bauchi lawmakers to take a leading role in mobilising support to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.
“We call on our representatives to vote in favour of the bill and resist any attempt to delay or weaken its provisions,” the group stated.
The petitioners further emphasised that Nigeria’s commitments under international agreements, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, require deliberate efforts to enhance women’s participation in governance.
They added that increased female representation would improve outcomes in key sectors such as health, education, and community development, while strengthening democratic legitimacy.
According to the group, inclusive governance would also promote national unity by ensuring that diverse voices across ethnic and religious lines are adequately represented in decision-making processes.
The group expressed optimism that members of the National Assembly from Bauchi State would demonstrate commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive governance by supporting the bill.
Receiving the petition, Hon. Bappah Aliyu, member representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency, expressed support for the proposed bill and pledged to present the petition before the House of Representatives for consideration.
He commended the group for its advocacy efforts, noting that such engagements were critical in promoting inclusive governance and strengthening democratic participation.
0 Comments