House of Representatives urges state assemblies to support Special Seats for Women Bill
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on the 36 State Houses of Assembly to endorse and pass the Special Seats for Women Bill, a key component of the ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at enhancing political inclusion. This resolution followed a motion by Lagos State lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi, emphasizing the need for legislative action to address gender imbalance in Nigeria's political system. Onuakalusi highlighted that women constitute nearly half of Nigeria's population and contribute significantly to various sectors, yet their representation in decision-making roles, particularly in elective offices, remains below 5%, which is among the lowest globally. He argued that this underrepresentation creates a democratic deficit, hindering diverse and balanced policy formulation. The proposed bill seeks to introduce constitutionally backed affirmative action by creating additional seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly as a temporary corrective measure. The lawmaker cited examples from other African nations like Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, where similar affirmative action has improved women's political participation. The House warned that failure to pass this legislation would perpetuate exclusion and weaken Nigeria's adherence to international and regional frameworks. The motion received strong support from lawmakers, and the House mandated its Committees on Constitutional Review, Women Affairs, and Electoral Matters to
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the vital roles of the judiciary and the media in sustaining Nigeria's democracy, especially leading up to the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents in Abuja, the CJN, represented by Babatunde Adejumo, stated that judiciary correspondents are key to public understanding of court processes and building confidence in the justice system. She stressed that accurate and responsible reporting is essential for public trust in justice administration. The CJN warned that misrepresentation and sensational reporting could erode trust in the rule of law, urging the media to approach judicial reporting with diligence and balance. She reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to independence, fairness, and transparency. The association's Chairman, Kayode Lawal, highlighted the conference's theme, "The Role of Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria," in light of developments before the 2027 elections. Lawal expressed concern over conflicting court orders, particularly in politically sensitive cases, citing a jurisdictional battle between the Federal High Court and the High Court of Oyo State regarding the 2025 Convention of the People’s Democratic Party PDP. He warned that such conflicts could undermine public confidence and cause political instability. Lawal also criticized impunity amon
Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, announced his intention on Thursday to contest the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2027. He is seeking the position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC. Yusuf made this declaration in Daura while addressing party stakeholders and supporters, following a visit to Governor Dikko Radda in Katsina on Wednesday to seek his support. Yusuf stated, "I am here to seek your support, and I assure you that if elected, I will do my best and will never disappoint you, God willing." Alhaji Musa Haro, Dan Madamin Daura and District Head of Dumurkol, spoke at the event, soliciting support for Yusuf. Haro indicated plans to seek support from people in every town and village, and to collaborate with other aspirants for the same seat. Yusuf was accompanied by Fatuhu Muhammad, a former member representing the constituency, and other family members. The seat is currently held by Rep. Aminu Jamo.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has called for justice following the assault of a doctor and a nurse at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital. The association condemned the incident, which occurred when a female doctor was explaining hospital charges to a patient's relative, and a nurse present was also attacked. NARD described the attack as "inhumane and unacceptable," emphasizing that healthcare workers should not be subjected to abuse while providing essential services. The alleged assailant has been apprehended and is in police custody, with NARD insisting on full prosecution. The association expressed solidarity with the victims and supported resolutions by the hospital's resident doctors, including a one-week warning strike, a public demonstration, and a press conference. NARD also called for appropriate justice and compensation for the assaulted staff, along with the deployment of adequate security personnel to sensitive areas within the hospital. Reaffirming its commitment to the safety and dignity of healthcare workers, NARD warned against any intimidation of its members over industrial action. This incident highlights growing concerns about attacks on healthcare workers in Nigeria, contributing to frustration and the brain drain in the sector.
Former Ivory Coast international footballer Aboulaye Traore has been sentenced to three years in jail for rape, as reported by an Ivorian women’s rights group. Traore, known as Ben Badi, was a member of the Elephants team that won the 1992 African Cup of Nations. The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights stated that the Bouake court issued the three-year sentence on Wednesday, calling it a "significant advance in the fight against impunity for sexual and sexist violence." In addition to the jail term, the court mandated a payment of 15 million CFA francs $26,700 to the victim and imposed a five-year ban from the central region. A judicial source confirmed that the footballer was found guilty of non-consensual sexual relations in March 2021 with a 21-year-old woman. Traore played for Abidjan’s ASEC Mimosas and European clubs like FC Metz and Braga before his retirement.