In a landmark move, South East Senators have thrown their weight behind a bill seeking to reserve 182 seats for women in Nigeria’s legislature.

The bill, which aims to promote inclusivity and development in governance, was discussed during a 2-Day Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Enugu.

The senators’ support for the bill is a significant step towards promoting women’s representation in governance. “We are not asking for asking sake,” said Adaora Onyechere, South East Coordinator of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. “We are asking for additional seats, alteration of Sections 48, 49, 91, and others to create additional seats for women.

“The bill proposes one seat at the Senate, two seats at the House of Representatives, and three seats at the States House of Assembly, giving a total of 182 reserved seats for women out of 1,139 seats in the legislature.

Onyechere described the bill as an “emergency bill” that seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in governance.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who declared the event open, emphasized the need for inclusivity in the constitutional review. “The 1999 constitution is a product of a military regime,” he said.

“There are issues that do not answer the needs of the people, and this review will correct the structural imbalance.”

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia he called for rotational positions, creation of additional states in the South East, state police, and constitutional roles for traditional rulers. “I therefore urge the Committee to ensure financial independence of Local governments and additional seats for Women to ensure a balance.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the 1999 Constitution Amendment and Deputy Whip, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, Senator representing Enugu West senatorial zone, Osita Ngwu, Senator Osita Izunaso and others gave their support after the presentation on “Reserved seats for women” made by selected women.

Consultants to the 1999 Constitution Amendment Committee, Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN) and Prof Blessing Nwagba, as well as the South East Coordinator of Reserved seats for women Bill, Adaora’ Onyechere who made presentations on Reserved Seats for Women Bill, said women were asking for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria to have reserved seats.

They said in their separate speeches that , ” it is an international best practice which provides for seats for only women .“We are not asking for asking sake. We are asking for additional seats, alteration of Sections 48, 49, 91 and others to create additional seats for women , one seat at the senate, two seats at House of Representatives, three seats at the States House of Assembly, giving a total of 182 reserved seats for women out of 1,139 seats in the legislature”.

Explaining further, the South East Coordinator of Reserved Seats for Women Bill, Adaora’ Onyechere said “the bill is an emergency bill’ and that it seeks to look at community engagement.

Commending the senators for their support for the bill, she said, “So, the bill is an emergency bill. You are leaving a legacy for those unremembered. This is the time and we want to say thank you”, she said.

In a goodwill message, the Governor of Ebonyi state , Francis Nwifuru who was represented by the Speaker, Ebonyi state House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Moses Ije said the South East needs an additional State. He called for inclusiveness and reserved seats for women, disclosing that Ebonyi state House of Assembly had set the bill for inclusiveness of women in governance.

In his remarks, the speaker of Enugu state House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Uche Ugwu said the state Assembly was aligning with the position of the Enugu state Government.” We support the creation of additional state, state police, rotational presidency, inclusiveness.”, Ugwu said.

In their respective presentations, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia state) called for creation of Aba state, former minister of Information and past President -General, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Sir Nnia Nwodo called for creation of Adada state from Enugu North senatorial zone, Dr. Christopher Onyemachi from Delta state called for creation of Anioma state from the Igbo speaking area of Delta state.

The Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Ngozi Ngene in a compelling address, emphasized the critical role of women in decision-making processes. “Women’s participation in decision-making is essential for true development, justice, and democracy,” she stated. “Without their voices at the table, governments risk being ineffective and unfair.”

Highlighting the importance of reserved seats, she urged policymakers, traditional leaders, religious authorities, and government officials to support the bill. “Reserved seats serve as a vital tool to address this imbalance,” she noted. “Together, we can advance justice, strengthen democracy, and foster inclusive development. “Let’s unite to build a future where everyone’s voice counts.” .

The Executive Director Heroine Women Foundation and president WOSUWO, , Ambassador Onyinye Mamah who has been a vocal advocate for women’s participation in decision-making noted that the importance of reserved seats for women in governance can never be over emphasizd, citing their crucial role in shaping policies that affect their lives.

“Reserved seats for women are not just a matter of representation; they are a vital tool for ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their concerns are addressed,” Ambassador Mamah notes. Her organization has been working tirelessly to promote women’s empowerment and advocate for policies that support their participation in governance.

Through her leadership, Ambassador Mamah continues to push for a more inclusive and equitable society where women’s voices count. Her quote encapsulates this vision: “Let’s unite to build a future where everyone’s voice counts.”

In his presentation, Comrade Theophilus Nweke, chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers( NUT) Enugu state branch who spoke behalf of the national president called for funding of Primary education.

A joint group from Anambra and Imo states called for creation of Anim.state from Ihala area of Anambra state and Orlu area of Imo state.

With this bill, the South East Senators are taking a bold step towards promoting women’s empowerment and representation in governance.

Desirenews correspondent reports that the ball is now in the court of the National Assembly to consider and pass the bill into law. “Will they seize this opportunity to create a more inclusive and representative government? Only time will tell”. anonymous.