The Enakhe of Irrua Kingdom in Edo State, High Chief Chris Igene, Ph.D., has called on the National Assembly to prioritize the Special Seats Bill, among other legislative reforms, in the ongoing review of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution.
Presenting a memoranda at the Senate Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held recently in Ikot Epene, Akwa Ibom State, Chief Igene, representing the Ogirrua of Irrua Kingdom and Okaijesan of Esanland, praised the Senate leadership and State Governors for their commitment to inclusive governance. He emphasized that the passage of the bill would place Nigeria on a trajectory toward greater equity and accelerated development, similar to other democracies worldwide.
He revealed that the bill enjoys widespread support across Edo North, Central, and South Senatorial Zones.
“We appreciate the Senate for establishing the Constitutional Reform Committee. We have engaged extensively with our people from diverse backgrounds and all parts of the state, and they unanimously support the creation of additional seats exclusively for women in political representation at both the State Houses and the National Assembly. Our traditions and culture do not oppose women in political leadership; rather, they support it. We strongly endorse the passage of this bill into law,” High Chief Igene stated.
The public hearing saw participation from key figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Senators Ned Nwoko, Adams Oshiomhole, Seriake Dickson and E.J Agbonayima Agbonayinma, member House of Representative, as well as traditional leaders, civil society organizations, public servants, media personnel, market women, and artisans from across the geopolitical zone.
