A constitutional amendment bill to enhance women’s representation in parliament through special seats has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, and 12 others, was debated on the floor, with several members vehemently opposing it.
It proposes to creat one senatorial seat and one House seat in each state and the FCT.
Some expressed full support, while others urged caution, citing the constitution’s provision against discriminatory laws.
It seeks to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state of the federation and the FCT, effective after the term of the current National Assembly and subject to review every 16 years.
Additionally, the bill seeks to amend Section 91 of the document to provide three special seats reserved exclusively for women in the Houses of Assembly of each state of the federation, which shall be spread across the three senatorial districts of each state.
The bill had previously failed in the 9th assembly’s constitutional amendment process.
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