No fewer than 17 groups women advocacy groups in Gombe State have intensified calls for the reservation of seats for women in elective positions, taking their campaign to members of the House of Representatives across the state.
The delegation visited lawmakers representing the six federal constituencies: Kumo Usman Bello (Akko), J.C. Ali Isa (Balanga/Billiri), Abdullahi El-Rasheed (Dukku/Nafada), Tongo Yaya Bauchi (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye), Paul Obed Shehu (Kaltungo/Shongom), and Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba).
Speaking during the visits, Chairperson of the League for Women Voters of Nigeria, Gombe chapter, Hadisa Maina-Sule, called on the lawmakers to expedite action on the passage of a bill aimed at promoting inclusive governance through the reservation of seats for women.
Maina-Sule, who led the delegation on advocacy visits to legislators across the six federal constituencies, said the move was to push for greater representation of women in governance.
She said, “We are here to visit our legislators in the six federal constituencies to submit our petitions on the need for inclusive governance. The bill has not yet been passed, and we have been waiting. As concerned citizens, we decided to engage them directly to push for its passage.”
Speaking on the next line of action, she added, “After submitting the petition, we will wait for their response. If they do the right thing, women will be included through seat reservations. We want inclusion from the grassroots to the federal level. We want to be part of governance.”
Explaining the rationale behind the demand, Maina-Sule noted that women and children bear the brunt of many societal challenges.
“Women and children face the highest burden of social issues. If women are part of governance, they will be better positioned to address these challenges,” she said.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Gombe State chapter, Abigail Kolo, said the group was engaging lawmakers to ensure the speedy passage of the bill at the National Assembly.
She said, “We are here to present our letters to lawmakers so they can expedite action on the bill at the National Assembly. Women deserve a chance because they have a vital role to play in nation-building.”
Kolo added that women’s lived experiences make their participation in governance essential, particularly on issues affecting their welfare.
In her remarks, another advocate, Fatima Abdullahi, expressed optimism that the campaign would yield positive results.
“We hope that with this push, women’s voices will be heard. We believe the lawmakers will honour their promises and support this cause,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the member representing Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency, Paul Obed Shehu, his aide, Joseph Bulus, assured the delegation that the petition would be delivered to the lawmaker.
“I will take it to him. I am sure he will act on it. We understand how important women are,” he said.
Similarly, Emmanuel Sulaiman, an aide to the member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, Inuwa Garba, promised to relay the message promptly.
“By God’s grace, the letter will get to the lawmaker before the end of today,” he added.
The advocacy forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by women groups to push for affirmative action and increased political representation ahead of future elections.
