Emerge Women Development Initiative has said it is canvassing for four crucial bills to be considered in the ongoing hearing for Constitutional Amendment.
The group in a Statement, urged Nigerians, especially the media and lawmakers, to rally behind these four vital constitutional amendment bills that have been listed as priority bills in the ongoing constitutional review process.
According to the Statement, signed by its Executive Director, Mary Ikoku, “We commend the National Assembly, particularly the 10th Assembly, for their great work in prioritizing these bills. We are grateful that four out of the five memos we submitted have made it to the priority list, and we appreciate the Assembly’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Further, it said “We also commend the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for his advocacy and leadership in driving these crucial bills forward. His commitment to promoting women’s participation in governance and addressing systemic marginalization is truly commendable.
“The bills we are supporting include:
– *HB 1349: Seat Reservation for Women*: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Seat Reservation for Women in the National and State Houses of Assembly. This bill proposes to reserve seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, creating 182 women-only constituencies exclusively contestable by women.
– *HB 1195: Citizenship Rights for Spouses*: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Grant Citizenship Rights to Spouses. As Mary Ikoku, Executive Director of Emerge Women Development Initiative, notes, “Love knows no borders; citizenship shouldn’t either.” This bill will grant citizenship to spouses of Nigerian women, uniting families and promoting equality.
– *HB 2057: Indigene Status Bill*: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Altered) to Guarantee Indigene Status to Persons by Reason of Birth or Continued Residence for a Period Not Less Than Ten Years or by Reason of Marriage. This bill seeks to guarantee indigene status in any state in Nigeria to persons by reason of birth or marriage.
– *HB 1588: Women’s Inclusion in Governance*: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Promote Inclusion and Participation of Women in Governance for Diversity and Good Governance. This bill seeks to promote inclusion in appointment of ministers by mandating the President to appoint one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State, and ensuring that 35% of ministers, party leadership and boards and management of agencies are women.
“We believe that these bills represent crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society that reflects the diversity and potential of our great nation,” said Mary Ikoku. “We urge the media, lawmakers, and all Nigerians to support public education and advocacy necessary to get these bills passed.”
The 10th National assembly by these constitutional amendments will promote a brighter future for our country. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to ensure that our laws and institutions promote equality, justice, and inclusivity for all.