Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, has called for support for the Seat Reservation in Parliament Bill.

This was disclosed in a statement on Friday. Mr Kalu said the legislation is designed to alter the longstanding narrative of exclusion and underrepresentation that has marred our political landscape.

He said reserving seats for women in the federal and state parliaments would dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that truly mirrored the nation’s rich diversity.

“Let me be clear: this is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity. The rationale behind the Seat Reservation for Women Bill is rooted in the understanding that a representative government must reflect the people it serves.

“Historically, women have been marginalised in our political process, their voices subdued and their potential untapped,” he said.

The deputy speaker said the bill was a strategic intervention to correct that imbalance. According to him, it seeks to empower women to take their rightful place in the corridors of power, where decisions that shape our nation are made.

Mr Kalu explained that the bill was tailored to challenge the status quo by asserting that the inclusion of women was not a favour but imperative for achieving comprehensive and sustainable national development.

Mr Kalu further said the legislation was a beacon of collective belief in the transformative power of women’s leadership, adding that societies flourish when women participate fully in governance.

The deputy speaker reiterated the need for women’s inclusion and called for support for the Seat Reservation in Parliament Bill, saying it would empower women to take their rightful place in the corridors of power.

Mr Kalu said, “In the spirit of the Beijing Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to not just acknowledge but actively transforming the systems that perpetuate inequality. This commitment is echoed in the Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349), which I proudly sponsor.”

Acknowledging various challenges, the deputy speaker said he would not relentlessly pursue the noble cause.

The lawmaker added, “In embracing these ideals, we also acknowledge that our journey is far from over. The path toward gender equality is fraught with challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities.

“We must continue to dismantle the systemic barriers that impede progress, to foster environments where every individual can thrive, and to build institutions that are both inclusive and responsive to the needs of our people.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants, drawing inspiration from the Beijing Declaration, which has transformed the women’s rights agenda globally.”

According to him, at the National Assembly, women make up only 3.6 per cent of the Senate and 4.7 per cent in the House of Representatives. 

(NAN)