Benue Deputy Speaker, Lami Renews Call for Passage of Special Seats Bill for Women

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers of Nigeria, Mrs. Lami Danladi-Ogenyi, has once again urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before it.

Danladi-Ogenyi made the appeal during a meeting of Deputy Speakers, the presentation of the joint committees’ report on Constitution Review, and the commemoration of the ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th anniversary in Abuja.

She stressed that the proposed legislation is a national necessity designed to address long-standing gender disparities and ensure that more women participate fully and actively in Nigeria’s political and electoral processes.

Describing the bill as more than just a legal proposal, the Deputy Speaker said it represents a critical push for inclusivity, democracy, and nation-building—one that would guarantee women with political aspirations fair and equal opportunities to serve the nation.

She called on members of the National Assembly to make history by giving the bill their full support, ensuring it receives the urgent attention required for its passage into law.

Danladi-Ogenyi also commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for championing the cause of women’s political participation in the country.

“The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has singlehandedly brought forward this bill for special seats for women to strengthen their participation in politics. This is highly commendable.

“We need more women in politics. I appreciate the speaker for initiating the bill to reserve special seats for women. This is why we continue to advocate for the implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women. If passed and implemented, the law will help many women who have ambitions to enter the political space.

“Many women are scared to participate in politics even when they are willing, largely due to the way men oppress and deny them space to contest elective positions.”

Representing Ado State Constituency, the Benue lawmaker maintained that passing the bill would bring Nigeria closer to international standards on gender inclusion and reinforce its democratic principles.