The Delta State House of Assembly has expressed its support for the proposed Special Seats Bill, which seeks to allocate additional seats for women in the National and State Assemblies. This pledge was made during a visit by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Delta State chapter, to the Assembly in Asaba. The Speaker of the House, Emomotimi Guwor, represented by Deputy Leader Arthur Akpowowo, assured the delegation of the legislature's backing for the advocacy.
According to Akpowowo, the Speaker had participated in national-level advocacy programmes on the proposed special seats and had directed lawmakers to assure the League of the Assembly's support. Akpowowo emphasized the need to provide women with equal opportunities in governance, highlighting their crucial roles in society and development. He stressed that the proposed special seats should promote complementarity, rather than rivalry, between male and female lawmakers.
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria, a non-partisan and non-profit organization, is committed to the political and economic empowerment of Nigerian women. The organization's State Vice Chairperson, Princess Christina Ekokoruwe, presented the League's position, stating that women remain underrepresented in legislative and governance positions despite their significant contributions to business, community development, and political mobilization.
Ekokoruwe urged the Assembly to support the proposed Special Seats Bill, which aims to increase women's representation in legislative institutions and create greater opportunities for them to participate in lawmaking and decision-making. The Bill seeks to allocate additional seats for women across the six geopolitical zones, as well as at the state and federal levels.
Member of the House representing Oshimili South Constituency, Bridget Anyafulu, commended the League for its advocacy and expressed her support for the demand. Anyafulu stated that she would adopt the presentation, drawing attention to provisions in the proposal relating to reserved seats for women. She noted that the initiative aims to increase women's direct participation in legislative processes and governance.
The proposed Special Seats Bill is designed to promote gender-responsive legislation and increase women's participation in governance. The League of Women Voters of Nigeria believes that this Bill will help address the underrepresentation of women in legislative institutions and create a more balanced and inclusive decision-making process.
The Delta State House of Assembly's support for the Special Seats Bill is seen as a significant step towards promoting women's empowerment and participation in governance. The Assembly's backing is expected to encourage other state legislatures to consider similar proposals, potentially leading to a more representative and inclusive governance structure in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Delta State House of Assembly has pledged its support for the proposed Special Seats Bill, which seeks to allocate additional seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.
- The Bill aims to promote complementarity, rather than rivalry, between male and female lawmakers and increase women's representation in legislative institutions.
- The League of Women Voters of Nigeria believes that the Bill will help address the underrepresentation of women in legislative institutions and create a more balanced and inclusive decision-making process.
