Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Babangida Nguroje has thrown his weight behind the creation of Sardauna state , constitutional roles for the traditional institutions and special slots for women in the Nigerian legislature .

In his presentation at the stakeholders public engagement organised by the Constitution Review Committee in Abuja Monday, Nguroje said the agitation for Sardauna state out of present Taraba is a key request that is grounded in historical , constitutional , cultural and socio-econonic perspectives.

According to him , beyond the yearnings and aspirations of the people , the creation of the proposed state is legitimate ,legal and in tune with the provisions of section 8(1) and (2) of the 1999 constitution that empowers communities to seek creation of new states and local governments and urged the committee to consider the proposal as collective demands in a democracy .

He maintained that: “As we head into the final day of public engagement the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly should prioritize the inputs of the public and deliver a constitution that can be truly said to have emanated from demands of the people .

“Sardauna is located in the extreme southeast of present day Taraba on the Mambilla Plateau with significant economic potentials driven by it’s scenic Mambilla Plateau .

“An agriculture and Livestock delight, cool temperatures attracting tourism , Hydro-electric Power Project with the capacity to generate 3050 megawatts if constructed which certainly promote industrial development and economic growth in North East and entire country .

” It is rich in solid mineral deposits, metallic , non-metallic and precious stones .

“The existing Mambilla Highland Tea and Coffee company in Sardauna Local government is a classical example of it’s potentials for development of industries and enhancement of existing ones.”

He stressed further that the traditional institutions in Nigeria play key roles in local security , uphold customs and traditions as well as cultural heritage of the people.

“It is my considered opinion that the traditional rulers be given a role so that they can continue to make the society a better society .

“I similarly believe that the special slot for women in Nigerian parliament will be a huge improvement of our strive to expand our democracy and cross fertilization of ideas .

” It will also my considered my position that this will serve as inspiration to other women and girls to participate in politics and leadership.”

By Saint Mugaga

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR has said that the bill seeking to create reserved seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly is not an act of tokenism but a pursuit to increase women’s political representation for a more inclusive governance and equitable society.

Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review stated this while delivering his remarks at a special dialogue series on the reserved seats bill, hosted by Emerge Women Development Initiative, tagged ‘SheThePeople’.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sam Hart, mni, the Deputy Speaker noted that the bill is proof to a collective commitment to encourage women inclusion in governance.

He said that the event themed “Deepening the Conversation, Accelerating Women’s Representation in Governance,” calls for reflection on the journey embarked upon, and determination to ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but amplified in the halls of governance.

To accelerate progress, the Deputy Speaker called for candid conversations, more advocacy to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder women’s full participation.

He commended women who have broken barriers and impacted the society, reaffirming the commitment of the parliament to continue the work they started, to advocate vigorously for policies that will see women not as tokens, but as partners in governance.

Kalu said, “I bring you warm compliments from the People’s House; the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. This event is not just a moment in time, but a movement toward justice, equality, and empowerment. The theme compels us to reflect on the journey we have embarked upon, a journey marked by courage, resilience, and determination to ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but amplified in the halls of power. The Reserved Seats Bill, HB 1349, sponsored by myself and cosponsored by some members of the House is a legislative effort that seeks to carve out a dedicated space for women in our governance structures.

“As Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, I believe it is essential to examine the provisions of our Constitution and ensure that they promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Hence, we have considered this bill that would create reserved seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly, promote inclusive Governance, enhance women’s political representation and address gender disparities in our governance framework. This bill is not just a piece of legislation neither an act of tokenism; it is a proof to our collective commitment to change the narrative and to disrupt the status quo that has long sidelined women from decision-making tables.

“We must examine the electoral laws, party politics, and societal norms that hinder women’s representation. We therefore must work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable political environment that encourages women to participate and thrive. As we deep dive into these discussions today, let us remember that the struggle for women’s representation is not merely a fight for gender balance but a pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society. It is a call to harness the untapped potential of half of our population who have the insight, compassion, and perspective to lead with empathy and vision. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unflinching belief in the power of women to transform our world. Together, let us continue to deepen the conversation, accelerate representation, and create a legacy of equality and empowerment for generations to come.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Founding Director of Emerge Women Development Initiative and Convener of SheThePeople Dialogue, Dr. Mary Ikoku noted that the dialogue aims to foster high-level conversations around women’s political participation and empowerment in Nigeria.

Ikoku commending the Deputy Speaker, Kalu for sponsoring the bill, said the Reserved Seats Bill is not only a matter of gender equality but also a crucial step towards achieving Nigeria’s development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Let us be clear: the time for talking is over. This dialogue must translate into action—through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and political pressure. We must back the Deputy Speaker and all reform-minded lawmakers. This moment calls for unity of purpose because real change only happens when we demand it—and sustain that demand,” she added