By Victor Bieni, Asaba
The action of the The National Assembly has been described as unfair, Undemocratic, and Anti-progressive by the Nigeria’s youngest, female Presidential aspirant as the Federal Lawmakers had on Tuesday this week, rejected the bill seeking for consideration of Nigerian Women’s Special Seats as lawmakers in the National Assembly, Ministerial positions among other bills in the amended act of 1999 constitution.
The media learnt this today being Saturday, 5th March, 2022 in Asaba, Delta State capital during an exclusive Interview with the 2023 female Presidential aspirant contesting under the party platform of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Joyce Ogochukwu Nsaka who reacted to the media reports on the rejection of the Bill seeking for Special Seats for Women in the Nigeria’s National Assembly, ministerial positions and among other bills
Joyce Ogochukwu Nsaka, a humanitarian , financial analyst, Administrator and business development professional, decried the rejection of the Bill seeking to grant “Women Special Seats in the National Assembly, Ministerial positions and among other bills”, while she lambasted the Federal Lawmakers for being gender insensitive, encouraging poor gender mainstreaming, affirmative action, Political participation and Women inclusion
Joyce, a champion of women advocacy “stated that, the move by the National assembly(House of Representatives) is a deliberate attempt to sideline women in participating in active politics.
She frowned at the egocentric and lackadaisical attitude of Members of the House of Representatives towards fostering a peaceful, united and competitive Nigerian political space where everybody irrespective of gender hegemony will have a clear shot at the general elections.
She further stated that the actions of some members of the House was against the principle of equity, fairness and good conscience.
According to her: “What we have noticed from our present crop of leaders is that they only adopt from developed countries what suits and favours their selfish interest and reject almost everything that will favour the citizens of our great nation”.
Speaking further she said: “Women’s marginalisation in area of economic development, social and political sectors in Nigeria is the major cause of decay in the system. This is simply because the role of women to shape a more stabilized, democratic and developed society cannot be undermined”.
“I think there is a fundamental issue that must first be addressed, most of the civil society organisations on women advocacy and all other advocacy groups owned by women are registered as “chairman” at the Corporate Affairs commission. We should begin to enforce change by ensuring our identities are not manipulated at the CAC”.
“They need to make more options available like Chairman, Chairperson, Chairwoman etc.
One thing is sure, that this is a fight that must be won for us to truly experience freedom and for the progress of our dear nation. The African Democratic Congress, a truly credible alternative has set an example for all to follow 35% inclusion for women. That is why I’m one of the presidential aspirants in ADC because the change we seek must begin at the helm of affairs”.
“We will get more women to participate in politics and with full support from all Nigerian women both at home and in the diaspora. We will bring an end to marginalisation, bigotry, nepotism and all forms of evil in our nation”.