Aisha Buhari, the first lady, has urged the national
assembly to review its decision on the gender bills that were recently rejected
by the lawmakers.
The lawmakers had, on Tuesday, voted against bills seeking
to amend the constitution to provide more opportunities for women in political
parties and governance.
The development has sparked criticism against the national
assembly, with women groups and other stakeholders calling on the lawmakers to
re-present the bills for consideration.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Aisha thanked stakeholders
for their contributions and asked the lawmakers to look into the bills as part
of efforts to address gender discrimination.
“The recent decision
by the National Assembly to ignore the long-standing clamour for Affirmative
Action for Nigerian women was contrary to the very high expectations of
forward-looking Nigerian men and women,” the statement reads.
“The anger of Nigerians in the circumstance is therefore
understandable, more so that not a single concession was made to women, contrary
to the global practice of give-and-take for which people’s parliaments are
noted for.
“Notwithstanding this temporary setback, however, I, on
behalf of the wife of the Vice President, HE Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, join the
multitude of Nigerian men and women to thank relevant UN agencies, local and
international Non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, and all other
stakeholders and individuals for their charitable support for fair
representation by women in legislative houses, public governance, and
management of political parties.
“I am of the opinion
that our esteemed National Assembly can still review its decision and pray that
our compatriots will deeply reflect on this political, but emotive matter.
“I call on both the Senate and the House of Representatives
as Husbands, Fathers, Brothers and Grandfathers to revise and reconsider
reversing their conclusions so that no group, especially mothers, wives,
daughters, and partners who women are, would suffer discrimination, or be
denied of opportunities to contribute to the process of nation-building.”
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