Rep Joshua Gana (PDP-Niger) has expressed optimism on the passage of the bill seeking to create special seats for women by the National Assembly, in line with global best practices.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, he said that the national assembly was determined to see the bill through to ensure inclusiveness.
Gana, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, said that with the support of the two-thirds of state houses of assembly, the bill would soon be passed.
According to him, women currently occupy less than five per cent of the 469 seats in the national assembly.
He said that when the bill was passed, it would address the imbalance in both the national assembly and the state houses of assembly.
Gana, representing Lavon/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency of Niger, said that the bill sought to enshrine inclusiveness and good governance in the country.
“The bill seeks to amend some sections of the 1999 Constitution and create one Senate seat for women from each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“Also, it seeks to create one House of Representatives seat for women from each state and FCT as well as three seats for women in each of the state houses of assembly,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, the momentum is building toward the passage of the bill.
“There was a strong advocacy during the public hearing at the national assembly and the ongoing public hearing across the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.
Gana stated that the assembly was also making efforts to have special seats for people with disabilities (PWDs) to enhance inclusiveness. (NAN)
