I sponsor Gender Bills To Engender Inclusivity-Deputy Speaker Kalu
…Celebrates Former SEC DG, Oteh On 60th Birthday
By Juliet Vincent
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that, he sponsor gender bills in the parliament to effectively engender political inclusivity and accelerate national development.
He said giving women a platform in the parliament amongst other places in the political firmament to contribute their quota will bring unassailable growth.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu on Saturday, Kalu made the disclosure in London on Friday while celebrating the former Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank and Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh on the occasion of her 60th birthday in London.
It could be recalled that the Deputy Speaker alongside some of his colleagues are sponsoring a Bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for seat reservation for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Essentially, 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 provision is however subjected to a review after four general election cycles of sixteen years for the purpose of either retaining, increasing, or abolishing the temporary measure.
The Deputy Speaker was speaking during the official launch of a book titled “All Hands On Deck” as a part of the activities marking Oteh’s 60th birthday.
He said that the former SEC DG who is currently an Executive in Residence at Said Business School, Oxford University, is a role model worthy of emulation for her outstanding life of service.
According to him, 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.
“From all the work she has done in the public and private space, she has stamped her name indelibly in the annals of history. Arunma is a role model and proof that with dilligence, excellence, application of God-given talents, the top is just but a starting point.
“We are celebrating a woman that has credibility, integrity and excellence. We are celebrating spirit of transparency and accountability in the ways she has carried out her leadership. I am delighted to be part of the this celebration. I represent Bende Federal Constituency where this great Amazon comes from.
“When you served Nigeria, you served well. Here is a sister of mine in whom I am well pleased who is a prophetess with honour in her hom town. At home, we have felt her impact. What she shows outside is who she is inside. They said charity begins at home. Talking about legacy, she built one of the best sports centers in my federal constituency. She has empowered a lot of people. I treasure her”.
Present during the events included former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, members of the House of Representatives including Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and Hon. Ibe Okwara; former ministers of Finance, Segun Aganga and Kemi Adeosun, former CBN Governor and Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, captains of industry including, chairman of SEPLAT, Dr. A.B.C Orjiako and Mrs. Uju Ifejika; President of Nigerian Exchange, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Tim Agada, former Presidential Candidate, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu and former governorship candidate in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, President of Afrexim Bank, Prof. Benedict Orama, Chairman of Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede and many others.
