Benue Deputy Speaker calls for urgent passage of Women’s Reserved Seats Bill

By Benedicta Aboh

Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, has renewed her call for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill to be passed immediately by the National Assembly.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Agbaji Atsonwu issued Thursday explained that Chief Ogenyi made the call during a meeting of Deputy Speakers, the presentation of the Constitution Review Committee’s report, and the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

She stressed that the bill "is a national imperative aimed at correcting long-standing gender imbalances and ensuring women actively participate in politics.”

She added, “the bill is not just legislation; it is a rallying point for inclusivity, democracy, and nation-building. Women with political ambitions should have equal opportunities to serve their country.”

Chief Ogenyi who is also the North Central Coordinator of Tinubu Support Organisation(TSO) 2027, appealed to the National Assembly members to make history by giving their full support and ensure that the bill is given speedy attention and passed into law.

She also praised the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for championing the initiative.

“Deputy Speaker Kalu has single-handedly introduced this bill to create special seats for women, enhancing their political participation. This must be commended,” she said.

Highlighting the challenges women face in politics, she explained, “Many women are hesitant to enter the political arena because men often dominate the space and limit their opportunities. Passing this bill would empower women and encourage their participation.”

The representative of Ado State Constituency emphasised that, “implementing this law would bring Nigeria closer to international standards on gender inclusion and strengthen our democratic values.”