By Disun Amosun
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the reason behind the sponsorship of the gender bills before the parliament is to effectively engender political inclusivity and accelerate national development.
He said giving women a platform in the parliament amongst other places in the political firmament to contribute their quota brings on unassailable growth in the society.
Kalu made the disclosure in London on Friday while celebrating the former Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank and Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh on the occasion of her 60th birthday.
The Deputy Speaker with some of his colleagues are sponsoring a Bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for seat reservation for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Essentially, the bill seeks to remedy the low representation of women in Legislative Houses by providing for special constituencies to be contested and filled by women as a temporary measure to promote women’s political representation.
The provision is however subjected to a review after four general election cycles of sixteen years for the purpose of retaining, increasing, or abolishing the temporary measure.
Speaking during the official launch of a book titled “All Hands On Deck” as a part of the activities marking Oteh’s 60th birthday, Kalu said that the former SEC DG, currently an Executive in Residence at Said Business School, Oxford University, Arunma Oteh is a role model worthy of emulation for her outstanding life of service, not only to Nigeria, but the World at large.
The Deputy Speaker said that the achievements of women like Oteh, who is also one of his constituents from Bende Federal Constituency, inspired him to contemplate a number of Bills in Parliament to support the women-folk and guarantee their greater representation in Nigerian politics.
“From all the work she has done in the public and private space, she has stamped her name indelibly in the annals of history. Arunma is a role model and proof that with diligence, excellence, application of God-given talents; the top is just but a starting point.”
Kalu at a reception in honour of the author added “We are celebrating a woman that has credibility, integrity and excellence. We are celebrating spirit of transparency and accountability in the ways she has carried out her leadership. I am delighted to be part of the celebration. I represent Bende Federal Constituency where this great Amazon comes from.”
