Former FIDA chairperson backs reservation of key political seats for women
The immediate past chairperson for International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Ann Awah has advocated for the reservation of the seats of Nigeria’s president, Senate president and Governors for a woman if Nigerians are interested in good governance.
This advocacy was proposed by the FIDA immediate past chairperson during an exclusive interview with newsmen Saturday in Calabar.
The promotion targeted at the 2027 general elections is coming on the heels of the ongoing public hearing on women’s reserve seats bill in the national assembly as part of constitutional review item.
She said that it is only when the nation ‘s kingmakers have a re-think and give priority attention in the reservation of key seats like that of the governor, Senate president and president for women that one can say there is gender fairness.
“We are not saying that you should bring in mediocrity or misfits. We are saying bring professional women, bring in women with ability to do it. Women with the brains.
Using Cross River State as case study for states where women had been shortchanged, with only one woman occupy one out of 25 seats in State House of Assembly.
” Is that a good representation for women? When you go home and tell us that women are more in number, so what happens when it comes to political positions? Awah queried.
“We are advocating for a fair share. We can run this country comfortably even better than men. Nigerian women can do it. Give us the opportunity.
“If we put 274 extra seats in the National Assembly and over 160 across the state Assemblies, don’t you think this would reshape the political landscape? She maintained.
The FIDA immediate past chairperson stated that if women are allowed to contest on a level playing field that would be devoid of nuzzling them by their male counterparts, women would lead the economy of the nation better than what it is at a moment.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
