By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Deputy Speaker, Chief Lami Danladi Ogenyi, has renewed a strong call for the swift passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, urging the National Assembly and state legislatures to make history by expanding women’s representation in Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking in Abuja during an engagement convened by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ogenyi who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers of Nigeria—said the bill is a “national imperative” aimed at correcting entrenched gender gaps and giving women the opportunity to participate fully in governance.
Ogenyi commended Kalu for championing the women’s reserved seats proposal, describing his leadership as a major boost for women aspiring to elective office.
According to her, many qualified women remain reluctant to enter the political arena due to systemic barriers and intimidation.
“We need more women in politics. The 35 percent affirmative action must be implemented. Many women are willing to run but are scared because of how men suppress their chances,” she said.
She appealed to federal lawmakers to expedite debate on the bill and pass it into law, stressing that doing so would align Nigeria with global standards on gender inclusion and strengthen democratic participation.
The engagement also saw Kalu brief deputy speakers from across the states on the progress of the ongoing constitutional review, urging them to partner with the National Assembly as key stakeholders in the amendment process.
