DG MBNCWD, Asebe Bashir Champions Calls for Gender Inclusion at National Public Hearing for Constitutional Amendment
By Onwe Wisdom |Pan Afric Reporters Abuja
The DG/CEO Marayam Babangida National Centre For Women Development, Hon.Dr.Asabe Vilita Bashir at the national public hearing for the proposed constitution amendment held at Transcorp Hilton,Abuja champions calls for gender inclusion and balance in government appointment.
Hon. Asebe who applauded the commitment of the 10th National Assembly in an effort to delivering a people-driven constitution that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians in an interview with journalists at the sideline of the national public hearing calls for gender inclusion and balance in government appointments.
Dr. Asebe further expresses confidence in Mr. president capacity to providing the political will to birth the constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
The Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in his opening remark described the process as the most inclusive and participatory in Nigeria’s history, emphasizing that the 87 amendment proposals under consideration are products of extensive consultations across the six geopolitical zones and represent the voices and memoranda of citizens rather than the agenda of the legislature.
Highlighted areas of reforms to be
Electoral Reforms: Proposals include independent candidacy, creation of an Electoral Offences Commission, and fixed timelines for pre-election matters to safeguard the people’s mandate.
Devolution of Powers: A landmark bill seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, paving the way for state and community police.
Local Government Autonomy: Proposed amendments aim to guarantee both financial and administrative independence for local governments to strengthen grassroots development.
Gender Inclusion: Bills propose the creation of reserved seats for women in legislative houses and gender balance in government appointments.
Kalu noted that while the public hearing marks the final stage of direct citizen engagement, the process will proceed to parliamentary debates, harmonization with the Senate, and eventual ratification by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly. He urged Nigerians to remain actively engaged and hold their representatives accountable to prevent dilution of reforms.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the political will and enabling environment, the Deputy Speaker stressed that ultimate authority lies with the people, whose continued participation is vital to the success of the exercise.
Kalu calls for unity, urging citizens to rise above ethnic and religious divides to craft a constitution that guarantees justice, inclusivity, and progress for future generations.
The Speaker of the 10th House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen While addressing Nigerians at the event listed critical areas under consideration, including constitutional roles for traditional rulers, creation of reserved seats for women in legislative houses, the establishment of state police, and reforms to guarantee local government autonomy.
Assuring Nigerians that the ongoing Constitution alteration exercise will deliver far-reaching reforms to strengthen governance, deepen democracy, and give greater voice to citizens.
According to Abbas, the amendment process reflects the collective demand of Nigerians gathered through extensive consultations, zonal hearings, and memoranda submitted by civil society, professional bodies, and community leaders across the country.
“We are determined to produce a Constitution that is not only legal but legitimate, one that reflects the values, hopes, and aspirations of Nigerians,” he said, emphasizing that the process will remain participatory and transparent until its conclusion.
On traditional rulers, Abbas noted that the proposals seek to formalize their constitutional roles in governance, especially in peace-building, conflict resolution, and grassroots development. He explained that the reforms would harness their influence to foster stability and community cohesion.
