Today, at the High-Level Roundtable on the Reserved Seats Bill organized by The Osasu Show Foundation in Abuja, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu urged women to remain united and relentless in their advocacy for the passage of this vital legislation.
As the sponsor of the Reserved Seats Bill, he emphasized that the initiative is not driven by sentiment but rather by the urgent need to address the significant imbalance in Nigeria’s democracy. With a population exceeding 220 million, of which 49.3% are women, the Deputy Speaker expressed concern over the remarkably low representation of women in political positions.
He highlighted that the 10th House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, has made inclusion a central focus of its legislative agenda. This commitment aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has reinforced the importance of inclusive governance through various appointments and policies.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the Reserved Seats Bill is crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s full democratic and economic potential. He urged policymakers, political parties, the media, and all stakeholders—regardless of culture, tradition, or religion—to look beyond the current landscape and commit to a future where the nation’s democracy truly reflects the strength and diversity of its people.
