By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Deputy Speaker  of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has lamented the low level of women participation in the political space of Nigeria. He assured that the ongoing Constitution Review exercise will seek to address the perceived gender imbalance.

This is even as he has stressed that emerging facts strongly indicate that President Bola Tinubu is sincerely amenable to any move that will ensure enough accommodation for the womenfolk in the political architecture of the country.

Rt. Hon. Kalu gave the assurance on Monday, March, 4, 2024, in Abuja  while speaking at the ongoing Roundtable on Women  iqnclusion In politics jointly organized by Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre, Yiaga Africa, Nigeria Women Trust Fund and the European Union.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Livinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker, who is, also, the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution review, said that the reservation of seats and adoption of electoral quota for women will greatly assist in encouraging more women participation in politics, as well as scale up the ranking of Nigeria among comity of democratic Nations.

He noted that the ongoing constitution review exercise and the ” body language” of president Tinubu are strong pointers that the inclusion of women in politics will be realized .

“The Giant of Africa ( Nigeria) is the least on the list of women participation in politics in Africa. It is not good at all.

“Does the President know this? The answer is yes. Is he in support of such exclusion? No. Is he willing to take it to the next level? Yes.

“Are there evidences to show that he believes in that ,or is his body language towards that? Yes. Check and you will find out that the First Lady was supported by him to be at the parliament for a very long time .

“Himself, (the President) was, also, at the Parliament. He understands what you are talking about.

“The Vice president was at the parliament. The Chief of Staff was, also, there. The Secretary to Government of the Federation was part of the parliament  and, I am happy that his wife ( SGF wife) is with us at the House of Representatives .

“Why am I making all these references ? I am making them to reassure you that the body language of the current  administration is to the fact that we want more women in politics and a friend of mine supported his wife and the wife is here and she is at the Parliament.

“There is hope that it is going to be better and we are going to leverage this renewed hope that is found in the body language of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria . And I hope that he is going to assent to the bill we will put together at the parliament” Kalu stated.

“The Deputy Speaker, however, highlighted some  measures which could promote more women participation in politics to include, addressing deeply rooted barriers such as discriminatory laws ,and practices – cultural biases, patriarchal attitudes and entrenched gender stereotype and unequal access to resources.

According to the Deputy Speaker, these are formidable challenges that demand collective attention, noting that efforts should be directed at dismantling the obstacles ,with a view to creating the enabling environment for women to thrive in politics.

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group under the aegis of Centre for 21st Century Issues, C21ST, has expressed serious concerns over the recent composition of the Economic Advisory Council by President Bola Tinubu.

The Civil Society Group says the exclusion of women and young people in the strategic advisory council on the economy is retrogressive and therefore unacceptable.

It stressed further that President Tinubu failed to fulfill his Campaign promises of Gender Equality and involvement of Youths in his decision making in composition of any Committee, Council etc.

The Group said the Economic Advisory Council is a commendable initiative, but that the exclusion of women and young people who are active stakeholders across sectors of the Nigerian economy is a huge flaw that should be urgently reconsidered.

In a Statement by Executive Director of the Group, Titilope Akosa, it stated that it is crucial to support the President in his efforts to revitalize and reposition the economy for sustained growth and prosperity. However, the exclusion of a critical segment of Nigerians raises doubts as to the readiness to find lasting solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“While respecting the President’s prerogative in selecting advisors, it is essential to demand the inclusion of women and youths in the economic advisory council as a demonstration of the commitment to genuinely address the economic challenges.

“We contend that the critical constituencies of the society should not be left out of such a platform of national importance; particularly considering the roles Nigerian women and youths have played and continue to play in the areas of entrepreneurship and as well as in changing the narratives of leadership and governance at national and international levels.

“We recognize that the National Economic Council (NEC) established by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended in Section 153(1) as contained in Paragraphs 18 & 19 of Part I of the Third Schedule remains the statutory body saddled with the mandate of oversights over the national economy.

“Notwithstanding, we are disappointed that President Tinubu left out representatives of critical constituencies particularly women in the recent composition of Economic Advisory Council which, from all indications, would be strategic to engaging the presidency on matters that bother on fiscal policies as well as issues relating micro and macroeconomics.

“We also express our reservations regarding some of the individuals that currently dominate the Economic Advisory Council. We do not agree that a few individuals who have been recycled over the decades should enjoy the exclusive preserve of offering advice on the national economy at this critical moment.

“We consider it pertinent to alert the President that Nigerians expect new ideas and innovations rather than mere revisionism if the much-needed impetuses for stimulating economic growth and inclusive prosperity are to be enhanced. Thus, realizing that Economic Advisory Committee was set up to offer solutions to the ramified economic challenges that has increased the levels of multi-dimensional poverty and miseries in the country, we expect that critical constituencies including platforms of women and youth that constitutes growing numbers of entrepreneurs in the country ought to be included to avail the president as well as the government the opportunity to holistically and robustly respond to the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

“We would therefore enjoin Mr. President to urgently redress the anomaly in the composition of the Economic Advisory Council to pave the way for an inclusive engagement at such a critical platform aimed at resuscitating the ailing economy.

“In light of the President’s remarks at the inauguration of the Economic Advisory Council that the collective efforts of all sectors of society, spanning from students to parents and traders is required to address various challenges, the exclusion of women and youths therefore raises concerns. Governor Soludo’s recognition of the collective contribution of Nigerians towards improving the national economy further underscores the importance of inclusive participation.

“Women which constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population with young people accounting for about 70% of people under 30 have been significantly negatively impacted by the worsening economic downturn which further underpin their inclusion towards finding lasting solutions to the economic challenges.

“We firmly believe that a more inclusive composition of the Economic Advisory Council, incorporating individuals with diverse expertise and innovative ideas, particularly from underrepresented constituencies, would enhance the efficiency”.

Akosa added that the Group therefore urge the President to expeditiously review the composition of the Economic Advisory Council to ensure inclusivity, enabling a broader spectrum of perspectives and expertise to drive more impactful solutions that resonate with all Nigerians.