10th NASS: Group demands inclusion of women as principal officers

A group, Women in Politics has advocated for the inclusion of women as principal officers at the 10th National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives.

The women were of the opinion that it would be disregarding to Nigerian women if, with the calibre and ranking of female parliamentarians in the House of Representatives, no female member ranks among the principal officers of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the President of Women in Politics, Barrister Ebere Ifendu called on political parties with elected members in the National Assembly, to uphold the provisions of the National gender policy and be intentionally gender inclusive, mainstreaming and considering gender as a necessary factor when zoning Principal offices in the National Assembly.

I congratulate all 78 women who have been elected across Nigeria to various offices contested on the 25th of February and 11th of March 2023.

“As April 15th draws near, we are particularly interested in the elections as we look to add more women to the numbers of female candidates successfully elected at the April 15th polls.

“As preparations are being made to inaugurate the 10th National Assembly, we call on political parties with elected members in the parliament, to uphold the provisions of the National gender policy and be intentionally gender inclusive, mainstreaming and considering gender as a necessary factor when zoning Principal offices in the National Assembly.

“We are particularly interested in the House of Representatives election for principal office where we have female members as some of the high-ranking officers in the house with some returning for the 4th time.

“It will therefore be completely disregarding to Nigerian women if, with the calibre and ranking of female parliamentarians in the House of Representatives, no female member ranks among the principal officers of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly.

“Today, one year after the judgement on the implementation of the National gender policy, which was granted in favour of Nigerian women by Hon. Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Women In Politics Forum together with her partners, call for this judgement to be honoured and evidenced in the constitution of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly and Ministerial and other appointive positions.

“Leaders from women’s rights and civil society organizations are here today, collectively, speaking with one voice to ask that Nigerian women are efficiently represented in the leadership of the legislative arm of government.

“Though we are well aware that the judgement delivered by my Lord Justice Donatus Okorowo in favour of Nigerian women is on appeal, we will continue with efforts until legislation upholds and constructively provides for increased women’s political participation in Nigeria,” she said.

Ifendu said they want political parties to uphold the provisions of the National gender policy as approved by the Federal Executive Council and adopt gender inclusivity as their mandate in the 10th National Assembly.

“That political parties with higher representation in the Parliament (APC, PDP and LP), ensure that they mainstream gender as a major requirement in getting principal officers elected.

“That political parties be primarily gender inclusive and ensure that whatever zoning ratio is adopted in the party concerning the principal offices, should favour the female members-elect of the 10th National Assembly.

“That political parties give full support to female members elected from their parties that will be contesting for principal office in the Legislative arm of government.

“That male members-elect in the 10th assembly give full support to their female colleagues seeking to run for principal office. That Female members are given Chairmanship of key committees.”

 

 

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