C'RIVER WOMEN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER PRESENTS MEMORANDA ON SPECIAL SEATS BILL TO CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE IN CALABAR.

By: Rekpene Uket.

The Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom has presented the Cross River State's Memoranda   in support of the Special Seats Bill to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review during the South South Centre B Public Hearing covering Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states  held recently in Calabar.

Presenting the memoranda, Hon. Irom stated that, the special seats bill is developed through inclusive consultations across the three Senatorial Districts of the state including over 33,849 physical endorsements from citizens showing solidarity for the bill adding that, the bill is in support of millions of Nigerian women whose voices have been left out of governance and public decision -making space over the years.

The Commissioner also commended the House of Representatives for their bold stance on Constitutional reform and gender inclusiveness as well as their willingness to champion the public hearing process noting that, this reflects a deep understanding of Nigeria 's democratic deficit in representation of women and their commitment to changing the narrative.

 Hon. Irom further maintained that women make up almost 50% of Nigeria's population yet occupy less than 6% of elected positions nationally adding that, in the 10th Assembly, only 21 out of 469 lawmakers are women that is 4.5%. In the House of Representatives,  only 16 out of 360 members are women, this ranks Nigeria among the lowest in global gender representation with less than 5% representation in parliament.

 The Commissioner also disclosed that other African countries such as Rwanda, Senegal and Ethiopia who have embraced temporary special measures towards women representation in politics are already reaping the benefits in governance, equity and development adding that,  this approach aligns with global best practices and as such Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.

 Hon. Irom emphasized that the Special Seats Bill offers a constitutional remedy to entrenched under representation and ensures fast- tracked empowerment through structured representation rather than slow, voluntary reforms, passing the bill therefore delivers a lasting legacy -- anchoring Nigeria on a trajectory towards gender equity, democratic growth and inclusive development.

 Earlier in his goodwill message, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu who was ably represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey Ph.D stated that the Public Hearing exercise was timely and historic.He emphasized the need for a constitutional framework that responds to the evolving political, social and economic realities.

He therefore advocated for the creation of new states, greater inclusion of women and persons with   disabilities in governance as well as the establishment of state police as part of the on-going efforts towards the amendment of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, the Leader of South South Centre B Committee and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu assured attendees that their inputs would be accurately conveyed to the National Assembly."We are your servants,...we are not here to speak for you but with you..." he said, adding that, the Committee's Zonal approach was designed to bring governance closer to the people.

He outlined 13 thematic areas under review including; electoral and judicial reforms, devolution of power, fiscal federalism, traditional institutions, security and policing as well as creation of states and local governments.

The event featured presentations by stakeholders from Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states on issues ranging from state creation, local government autonomy as well as minority inclusion.

The session was attended by Traditional Rulers, Professional bodies, Civil Society Organizations, various women groups including; National Council for Women Societies ( NCWS), Local Government Women Associations such as Yakurr Women Association and other interest groups.