The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has stated that the House will consider and vote on the Special Seats Bill and other key constitutional amendment proposals when it reconvenes in October.
Recall that the National Assembly is currently on its annual recess and is expected to resume plenary in September.
In a press statement on Monday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu disclosed this during a Roundtable Reception on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, hosted by The Osasu Show (TOS) with backing from the Embassy of Switzerland in Abuja.
The Deputy Speaker, who is sponsoring the landmark legislation, emphasized that the bill is grounded not in emotion but in the urgent democratic need for greater gender inclusion in Nigeria’s governance structures.
He called on women’s groups across the country to expand their advocacy efforts by engaging influential stakeholders and decision-makers.
“As the sponsor of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, I must emphasize that this initiative is not based on emotion or sentiment, it is anchored in logic, supported by data, and reflects the realities we face today,” Kalu stated. “It springs from the conviction that justice postponed is democracy denied.”
While highlighting the gender disparity in political representation, Kalu lamented that despite women making up 49.3 percent of Nigeria’s population, they remain vastly underrepresented.
“In the current 10th National Assembly, only 19 out of 469 legislators are women, just 3.8 percent. Specifically, the House of Representatives has only 15 female members out of 360, while the Senate has four women out of 109 senators. No state in the federation currently has a female governor, and of the 991 seats across all State Houses of Assembly, just 45 are occupied by women—a meagre 4.5 percent.
“There is no time to waste. Advocacy must continue, and it must intensify. We hope to vote on the constitutional amendments, including the Special Seats Bill, as soon as the House reconvenes after recess. That should show you the urgency of the moment.”
Kalu urged campaigners to approach religious leaders, political heavyweights, spouses of lawmakers, and other influential voices to gather wider support.
He sought a change in advocacy language to appeal more effectively to different audiences, including popular influencers and high-profile Nigerian women, noting that fewer than 60 days remain until the House resumes.
Stating that the bill aligns with both the legislative agenda of the 10th House and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kalu called for broader support from political parties, the media, and the Nigerian public. He added that his office remains open to providing technical guidance and support as needed.
“The 10th House of Representatives, under the visionary leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has placed inclusivity at the heart of its legislative mission. This goal is in tandem with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity,” he explained. “The President has already demonstrated his commitment through progressive appointments and policy direction. The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is part of this broader drive for systemic change.”
Addressing civil society organisations, international development agencies, and advocacy groups, Kalu called for collaborative efforts to mentor, train, and amplify the voices of the women who will benefit from the bill. He also urged political parties to promote women not just as supporters but as candidates and leaders.
“To the media, help frame this bill not as a token gesture but as a transformative framework for fairness. It’s not a favour, it’s a necessity. A country cannot soar with just one wing,” he said. “To all Nigerians, men and women alike, this bill belongs to you. Support it, speak up for it, stand with it. Because when women lead, nations heal and flourish.”
He reaffirmed that the Office of the Deputy Speaker remains open for collaboration and co-creation of advocacy strategies, technical support, community mobilisation, and capacity development initiatives aimed at institutionalising gender-responsive governance.
- Kogi: Legacy Group Endorses Tinubu, Ododo For Second Term - October 12, 2025
- Senate Summons Security Chiefs Over Insecurity, Killings In Kwara - October 9, 2025
- 10yrs of APC Wrecked $600bn Economy We Achieved In 16yrs – PDP - October 9, 2025