By Peter Adelowo
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu says the reason behind the sponsorship of the gender bills before the parliament is to effectively engender political inclusivity and accelerate national development.
Kalu stated this during the official launch of a book titled “All Hands On Deck” as a part of the activities marking the former Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank and Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh on the occasion of her 60th birthday in London.
Mr. Kalu said giving women a platform in the parliament amongst other places in the political firmament to contribute their quota will bring unassailable growth.
Kalu explained that the bill seeks to remedy the low representation of women in Legislative Houses by providing for special constituencies to be contested and filled by women as a temporary measure to promote women’s political representation.
The Deputy Speaker said that the achievements of women like Oteh who is also one of his constituents from Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State inspired him to contemplate a number of Bills in Parliament to support the women-folk and guarantee their greater representation in Nigerian politics.
He described the former SEC DG who is currently an Executive in Residence at Said Business School, Oxford University, Arunma Oteh as a role model worthy of emulation for her outstanding life of service.
Present at the event were the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, members of the House of Representatives, former ministers of Finance, Segun Aganga and Kemi Adeosun, former CBN Governor and Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, and captains of industry.
