The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, has assured advocates pushing for the Special Seats Bill that the state legislature would support the proposal when it comes before it for consideration.
Udeze gave the assurance during an advocacy visit by the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) under its Project IMPACT – Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation.
SIDEC is implementing project IMPACT in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room with funding support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The Speaker noted that the House is willing to support measures that would strengthen women’s participation in governance.
“The purpose of your visit has already been achieved. In fact, I do not even need a visit to do this. You should be the third or fourth group coming to advocate on this issue,” the Speaker said.
He stressed that women deserve stronger voices in governance, arguing that they play significant roles in African societies.
“Practically, women need to be given a voice. I do not see women as the weaker sex; rather, in many cases men are.”
Inhibitions
However, Udeze acknowledged that several structural and cultural challenges continue to limit women’s participation in politics, including the rising cost of elections and societal expectations.
“In terms of elections, it is not easy. The cultural setting and the political structure do not support women in politics. The cost of elections is getting higher every day,” he lamented.
The Speaker also raised questions about the level of support women receive from society and even from other women in electoral contests.
“The most practical question is: can women vote for women? The answer is often no. Who provides the funds? How many men are ready to allow their wives to go into politics?” he asked.
Despite the challenges, he pledged that the Anambra State House of Assembly would support the Special Seats Bill when it comes up for legislative consideration. “We will support. Once it is here, we will vote yes,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Chief Whip of the House, Mr Jude Ngobili, described the push for greater political participation by women as a long-standing advocacy that has already gained national attention.
“What you have come to say has been in the news for a long time. People have been advocating that women should be given more participatory roles in governance. It is a good thing. For me, it is the way to go.
Excellent women many in Nigeria
Ngobili noted that Nigerian society has produced many outstanding women who have excelled in leadership positions.
“Take someone like Okonjo-Iweala. She was given the position of Coordinating Minister of the Economy and performed so well that today many people even call for her to return and become President.
“I am of the view that if any woman who has what it takes steps forward, society should always support her.”
Earlier, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, the Executive Director, SIDEC, on behalf of the advocacy team, said electing more women into political offices would enable them to contribute more meaningfully to national development.
Earlier, the Executive Director of SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, explained that the proposed bill seeks to amend the Nigerian Constitution to reserve seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly in order to address the severe underrepresentation of women in governance.
“Nigeria currently has only four female senators, 16 women in the House of Representatives and 55 women across the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
The bill seeks to create 37 additional Senate seats for women—one per state and the Federal Capital Territory—37 seats in the House of Representatives and three seats in each State House of Assembly, one for each senatorial district.
108 reserved seats for women
“In total, we are advocating for 108 reserved seats for women. Apart from these, women will still be free to contest other elective positions alongside men,” she said. “We believe that when women are elected, they can contribute their quota to the development of the country.
She commended the demonstrated commitment to gender inclusion by the Anambra State Government.
“Women form a significant part of the cabinet, especially in policy-making positions. The Head of Service is a woman, and we also have six women serving as commissioners,” she said.
“However, we still do not have enough women in elective positions, which is why we are supporting the call for the passage of the Special Seats Bill.
“We are therefore here to passionately appeal for your support to ensure the passage of the Special Seats Bill,” she said.
The Clerk of the House, Mr. Anthony Emeka Ughenu and some members of the House of Assembly were present during the visit.
