By Oluwakemi Kindness
President Bola Tinubu has backed proposed bills seeking reserved legislative seats for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pete Vowles.
Abbas according to a statement by his media adviser, Musa Kirishi says the bills aim to address the low representation of women in Nigeria’s political system.
He said the proposed arrangement would allow women and persons with disabilities to gain legislative seats through an electoral college comprising elected officials.
“Women and persons living with disabilities will be elected by elected officials,” the Speaker said, adding that the system would increase women’s participation in parliament.
Abbas said the President had adopted the proposals, which would be transmitted to the National Assembly as executive bills.
He described the initiative as an innovative approach to improving political inclusion.
The Speaker also expressed Nigeria’s commitment to equal opportunities, noting that the UK could support the country through strategic engagement and advisory services.
Separately, Abbas received Hollywood actor Shin Koyamada, founder of Guardian Girls International, who announced the launch of Guardian Girls Nigeria.
Koyamada said the organisation works with international agencies, diplomatic missions and sports federations to prevent gender-based violence and empower women and girls through self-defence, sports and education.
He said the organisation operates in more than 20 countries and had signed a memorandum of understanding with relevant partners in Nigeria.
