Opinion
NASS and the game of low women numbers
By Jumai Ahmadu
It is no longer news that there was an altercation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but what it underscores is how women in elective positions in Nigeria continue to face severe under-representation.
Senator Natasha Akpoti, who was almost suspended from parliament by the Senate President, is just one out of similar cases in the recent past. Sen. Ireti Kingibe and Sen. Remi Tinubu (now First Lady) all had bitter experiences at the upper chamber.
It is in the light of these awful experiences that Seat Reservation for Women Bill by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, becomes urgent to only boost gender parity, but to unlock national prosperity of which women are a critical segment of.
Nigerian women’s political engagement in Nigeria has quantitatively shown that there is grossly low levels of female election to the National Assembly. The issue of female electiveness is one of myriad of issues women face in Nigeria – poor economic power, discrimination, cultural and religious inhibitions as well as societal biases.
The very notion that the country’s political sphere since 1999 has not witnessed any seismic shift in terms of gender equity and parity rather has remained largely dominated by men despite several efforts by both government and the private sector to enhance women participation and representation in elective politics does not inspire confidence in terms of inclusion and diversity.
A statistical report in 2017 on women and men in Nigeria shows that representation of high-ranking government officials with decision-making powers is heavily lopsided in favour of men. The representation of women in the 9th Assembly is not a significant improvement from past Assemblies.
In 1999, sixteen (16) women were elected into the National Assembly with thirteen (13) in the House of Representatives and three (3) in the Senate. The total number increased to 25 in 2003 with twenty-one (21) in the House and four (4) in the Senate.
The highest number of women ever to be elected into the National Assembly is thirty (36) in 2007 with twenty-seven (27) in the House and nine (9) in the Senate. Since then, there has been a steady decline to thirty-two (32) in 2011, twenty-nine (29) in 2015 and seventeen (17) in 2019.
In the 9th National Assembly, there were eight (8) female Senators (7.3%) and thirteen (13) female Members of the House of Representatives (3.6%), which represents 4.5% of the entire Assembly.
The 10th Assembly has women occupying four (4) out of 109 seats (2.7%) in the Senate and 17 out of 360 seats in the House of Representatives (4.7%), which represents 4.2% of the 469-member Assembly.
Therefore, after seven general election cycles since 1999, the number of women in the Senate has dropped to what it was at Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
It is thus significant to note that the cumulative percentage of women in the two chambers of Nigeria’s incoming 10th National Assembly is below 5%. It is also important to note that no woman was elected in 15 out of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly following the state level general elections in March 2023.
With current figures for the 10th National Assembly, Nigeria shamefully places at the lowest neighborhood of the ranking of countries on women in public leadership especially African Parliaments.
The National Assembly must take action to support increase in the number of women represented in government by passing the specific Constitution Alteration bills to achieve this.
The Temporary Special Measures bill, with more than 80 other House of Representatives members co-sponsoring it, was debated but failed to pass in the 9th Assembly. It is instructive that women groups are continuing work on the bill in the current 10th National Assembly and needs to work harder not to lose this opportunity again.
Women’s lack of adequate participation in legislative processes has negatively impacted promotion and enforcement of their rights, and despite the low representation of women in the National Assembly, the bills sponsored by female legislators has had significant impact on the lives of all Nigerians. Men’s efforts, if any, to promote these rights are not sufficient, because they are not direct beneficiaries.
Structural biases and barriers to women’s political participation indicate that the few women who show active interest in politics are discouraged by factors that include prevailing gender stereotypes, cultural/religious reasons, unfavourable political environment, lack of financial capacity, electoral violence and restrictive party structures and processes, amongst others.
Political hurdles, socio-cultural issues such as patriarchy, religious dogma, and conventional views of women in politics and socio-economic hurdles such as low income, lack of resources, electoral processes and political party structures, have all been identified as barriers to women’s political engagement.
While women are making significant contributions to Nigerian politics, their representation in political and decision-making positions needs to be improved.
And 30 years after the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) we are nowhere near the 35% affirmative action.
Women groups plan to participate in the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Conference scheduled to hold March 10 to 21, 2025.
The main focus of the sixty-ninth session will be on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly.
It is therefore recommended that the country’s 35 per cent affirmative action for women’s representation in politics be codified into law. Having legislation that requires government at all levels to have at least 35 per cent representation of women in appointive public service positions will be a good way to engender greater participation of women in politics.
Considering the importance of their presence in governance, we urge women in public leadership to stand firm and continue representing their constituents. They should never ever lose their voice, but rather continue to stand strong in your commitment to citizens and prove that representation matters.
Dr. Jumai Ahmadu is the Acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The history of abandoned nation’s city centre roads by the previous administration’s was brought to a halt, soon after the assumption of office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and appointment of Hon Minister, Nyesom Wike as the handler of the FCT in May , 2023.
Not long after his announcement and swearing as Minister of FCT, Wike visibly disturbed with the state of decayed infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, particularly the state of roads across all Areas, sessions, districts, Zones and locations swung into action by embarking on major roads repairs , resumption of construction, embarking on new ones that was commissioned during the first year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The massive repairs by the Nyesom Wike led Federal Capital Territory made both major and linkages of roads weared a new look and brought fresh air to motorists, travelers, pedestrians among many other road users across the FCT.
As at January 2025, Wike had not only completed most of the nations city roads , but connecting them with high capacity fly over bridges across areas abandoned for many decades as part of the master plan and opening up roads in the rural areas of the six area councils of Abaji , Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje , AMAC and Bwari areas.
Major and adjoining roads across the six area councils with those abandoned for many years close to a decade have been reconstructed between weeks and months returning back to these areas good life of motorable roads to the area councils.
His style of leadership in the area of roads construction across the nooks and crannies of FCT including the interior part of the councils was the engagement of construction companies in each of the six area councils, with allocation of roads to be constructed in batches with no time limit, but to ensure good motorable roads in the six area councils with a dedicated funds of about 300Billion approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revive rural roads across the six FCT area councils.
Twenty one months down the line , the improved infrastructure and roads construction has improved and competing favorably with those of the nations city, that was once a cynosure and shadow of itself due to leadership without foresight in the previous administrations.
The implications of the provision of good roads across the nations city and area councils has reduced to the barest minimum the influx of people from all walks of life into the city centre, as people now found comfort at area councils as a result of good network of roads and Infrastructural development.
Wike road projects all over the FCT has also linked many towns and villages to the FCT from Nasssarawa, Niger , Kogi among many other states reducing the high cost of renting houses in the city centre, as people have found refuge in area councils with network of good roads and cheap accommodation against the cut throat prices at the city centre.
The FCT Minister under Nyesom Wike has changed the narration of construction of one fly over for many years in the city centre, and construction of only one rural road in the area councils as FCT intervention projects.
Currently over ten flyovers are undergoing construction, reconstruction and completion in the FCT, while area councils has witnessed roads construction of more than ten areas in each councils with the stationing of construction companies in each area councils.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has brought a new lease of life to residents and occupants of FCT through the infrastructure upgrade by reconstructing and re-awarding and construction of new roads in the nations city.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Comr. S.M. TAGGAH (a Digital Media Consultant/Public Affair Commentator)
Undoubtedly, the historical achievements in legislative business, critical interventions and empowerment programmes in Kauru Federal Constituency since 1999, stands out Rt. Hon. Mukhtar Zakari Chawai as the best performing House of Representatives Member, ever elected. This is achieved through his perspective of People-centric representation.
Going by his track records, he is widely regarded as one of the best and most formidable, transparent and committed House of Representatives Member elected under the platform of the APC from Kauru LGA of Kaduna South Senatorial District of Kaduna State.
Evidently, it’s a known fact that in the history of Kauru Federal Constituency, we never had it this right by witnessing such a quality representation in the National Assembly as it is now. In Mukhtar, we have seen a brilliant Representative, whose voice continues to echoes louder in the plenary of the green chamber, speaking out for us especially in times of emergency.
Rt. Hon. Mukhtar Zakari Chawai has been serving and representing the good people of Kauru Federal Constituency and their collective interests with Integrity and sincerity, working closely with critical stakeholders advancing the principle of mutual collaboration to create room for constant engagements to account for his stewardship by ensuring that every penny appropriated for public use, is judiciously utilized and accounted for to achieve the desire results.
In the meantime, Rt. Hon. Mukhtar’s achievements in his less than two year in office in this second tenure marks a sharp shift and speedy improvements in the area of quality representation. This clearly shows that the member’s current achievements in the National Assembly is a consolidation of his last achievements, making amendment head front in the areas where necessary.
Hence, his rural transformative projects this time around are quite amazing. He has lobbied and facilitated critical Infrastructural intervention projects through various Federal Government’s Agencies and International Organisations to improve the living standard of the constituents and to enhance security in Kauru Local Government Area.
Worthy of note includes; the ongoing implementation of Solar Powered Electrification Project across major communities affected by insecurity in the constituency, Women and Youth empowerment initiative, Provision of agricultural inputs and farm implements to rural farmers, Bursary/scholarship awards to indigent students studying in higher institutions across the country, supplies of Learning materials to selected Primary and Secondary Schools in Kauru LGA, among others. These interventions, are quite significant in enhancing community development.
Being an experienced legislator, Rt. Hon. Mukhtar’s Legislative Excellence is gaining momentum locally and internationally. He was sworn as a member of the Pan African Parliament in March 2024 as part of the Nigerian delegation. In this 10th Assembly, Hon. Mukhtar upon resumption, has taken various leadership responsibilities as a member of many Parliamentary Committees of the National Assembly including Water Resources, Power, etc. where he leads major oversight functions at both National and International levels.
This is obviously seen through his active participation in the plenaries. Hon. Mukhtar’s consistent and systemic motions of great importance as moved and adopted during Plenaries underscored his perspective of quality representation. These motions include the recent motion presented during the 2025 Budget presentation at the joint National Assembly Plenary where he called for increased in budgetary allocation to these critical sectors of the economy and national development; agriculture, Road infrastructure and education to ensure timely completion of major Road Projects such as Maraban Jos – Saminaka and giving a boost to food production and increased educational funding in the Country.
Just few weeks ago, his motion calling for an immediate overhauling of security challenges particularly in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State where cases of banditry, kidnapping and cow rustling have badly affected Kumana and Kauru Chiefdoms, was adopted through the support of his colleagues.
Interestingly, these and other noticeable legislative efforts of Rt. Hon. Muktar Zakari Chawai brought about timely presence of Military and other Special Taskforce working across Kauru local government area of Kaduna State. The Military are now taming and mitigating the rising banditry activities in the area.
However, his ambitious grassroots engagement with critical stakeholders and collaboration with the Executive arm of government at all levels to attract developmental projects to Kauru local government are key factors that actually stands him out as a force of progress in Kauru LGA and beyond.
Objectively, a call for an overwhelming support from the people of Kauru Local Government Area, to rally round for a Sustained quality representation in the National Assembly is far beyond partisan politics but rather, a passion that emanates from a burning desire for transformational leadership.
Therefore, I am calling on Rt. Hon. Muktar to sustain this tempo and prioritize inclusive Representation for effective delivery of productive dividends of democracy to advance good governance through quality representation and collaboration. This is not just anticipated of him but is the sincere expectations of the people of Kauru LGA, a life long collective desire of our people to support a selfless leader like him who is ready to drive sustainable development in all aspects of our local government.
Of course, the momentum is building up and constituents are anxiously anticipating more projects to be facilitated from the Federal Government to Kauru LGA through Hon. Mukhtar’s influence, leveraging on his network of friends above party lines nationwide. I am optimistic that Rt. Hon. Muktar is more than ever ready to do more to ensure the sustainability of his achievements in the National Assembly.
The Honourable Member has the people’s mandate and is jealously protecting it with every sense of responsibility. We must as constituents, remain supportive and ensure that our common interest is highly protected. Championing a course to our prosperity is indeed a clarion call to take responsibility. Let’s work together to make ‘Kauru Development Project’ a done deal for posterity sake.
May Wali, Mai Gaiskiya, Mai Adalci, Mai Jama’a, Mai Capacity, Mai Hakuri, Mai Ginau, succeeds for a greater Kauru Local Government Area, amen.
*COMR. S.M. TAGGAH* is a Content Creator and Digital Media Consultant/Public Affair Commentator, Write from; Kizachi Community of Pari Ward, Kauru LGA, Kaduna State. sundaymatthewtaggah@gmail.com
08074148849.
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_T-LINK COMMUNICATIONS;_ *A Kaduna Based Digital Media and Publicity Consult.*
In a reflection on his journey, Comrade Salihu Dantata Mahmud has recounted how the late General Sani Abacha played a pivotal role in discovering his talent and shaping his career.
Mahmud, a journalist and former National Secretary of the defunct Action Party of Nigeria (APN), recalled his early admiration for Nigeria’s military leaders while he was a secondary school student between 1986 and 1992.
Among the figures he looked up to were General Sani Abacha, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Alfa, General Domkat Bali, and several other members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council.
However, it was General Abacha’s administration that had the most profound impact on him.
Mahmud started writing articles in 1993, which were frequently published in New Nigerian newspaper. His focus was on national development, and unbeknown to him, his work had attracted attention.
While working in Kaduna as a personal assistant to the late Major Lawal Bala Gusau, Mahmud encountered an intelligence officer associated with Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Abacha’s Chief Security Officer.
Their discussions on national unity and development led to a lasting connection.
By late 1993, as Abacha marked his first month in office, Mahmud shifted his focus to highlighting the achievements