Women Groups Rally Lawmakers In A’Ibom Over Special Seats Bill

By Edidiong Obot
UKANAFUN/ITU
Women advocacy groups in Akwa Ibom have intensified calls for the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill, securing assurances of support from members of the National Assembly representing various federal constituencies.
The advocacy visits, which took place at the various constituency offices of the federal lawmakers, provided a platform for direct engagement between the women groups and their representatives.
At Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, their representative, Mr Unyime Idem, PhD, who was represented by the immediate past council chairman of Ukanafun, Mr. Godwin Iyieng, assured the women of his commitment to support the passage of the bill.
He noted that the lawmaker holds women in high regard and prioritises their welfare, pledging to collaborate with colleagues at the National Assembly to ensure the bill is considered, passed, and assented to by the President.
“You can go to sleep with the fact that you have a brother, friend, and representative working for you, sometimes even when you are asleep. He will do his very best. Be rest assured that your appeal will not be taken lightly. He will work with his colleagues to ensure that this bill is looked into, signed and passed into law,” he assured.
Earlier, the coordinator, League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) in Ukanafun Local Government Area, Mrs. Idopise Sandy, appreciated the federal lawmaker for granting the women audience.
“We are grateful for the warm reception and for opening your doors to us. This shows your commitment to the concerns of women in your constituency. We believe strongly that with your support, this bill will see the light of day,” she said.
Speaking, representatives of various groups, including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and Women Chiefs of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam, reaffirmed their unwavering support for the bill, describing it as crucial to enhancing women’s representation in governance.
In her remarks, the chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Nsikak Okon, commended the lawmaker for the warm reception and urged him to support the bill when it comes up for deliberation.
Also lending her voice, the chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Helen Umana, emphasised the importance of the bill, noting that women have consistently demonstrated capacity in leadership and governance.
“Female lawyers will do a lot of work in Nigeria and even in Akwa Ibom State. FIDA is one of the bodies agitating for this reserved seat. We plead with our brothers that this seat should be approved for women. Women are educated, strong and take care of the family. When they are placed in positions of authority, they deliver,” she added.
Similarly, during a visit to Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, the federal lawmaker, Mr Ime Bassey Okon, described the bill as timely and necessary, pledging his full support.
“This bill is not empty; it is timely and undeniable. One can give responsibility to a woman and go to sleep. I will stop at nothing in supporting this bill and will liaise with my colleagues to ensure it is passed. I would not have been here without the support of women, and this is one of the assignments I was sent here to accomplish,” he said.
He further encouraged women to prepare themselves for leadership opportunities, saying, “I urge you to upgrade yourselves and be ready. When this bill is passed into law, there should be no struggle for the reserved seats. Be assured that this bill will receive accelerated attention during discussions and public hearings”.
NILOWV Coordinator in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Mrs. Mandu Eduese, called for tangible representation rather than symbolic gestures, saying, “We are done with empty gestures—no more wrappers, clapping, dancing, or rice distributions. We demand tangible action and meaningful representation. It is imperative that our voices are heard in the corridors of power. We are appealing for one seat each at the State House of Assembly, National Assembly and the Senate”.
Other stakeholders, including Mrs. Atim Bassey Ekpo, stressed that women were not seeking to compete with men but to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
“We want to serve and add value. We are pleading with our men to help us pass this bill. At the same time, women must be prepared with their credentials and capacity to take up these roles effectively,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of the Special Seats Bill, Comrade Nsikak Okon, outlined its key benefits, noting, “This bill is important because it promotes gender equality, improves representation and strengthens democracy. Women bring perspectives on maternal health, education, gender-based violence and family welfare. It will also encourage more women to participate in politics despite the challenges of cultural barriers, financial constraints and intimidation,” she explained.
Providing further legal insight, the State FIDA chairperson, Barr. Helen Umana, noted that the reserved seats would enhance women’s visibility in leadership.
Hear her: “This special seat is for women, but women must be strong in leadership, educated and prove themselves competent. It is not for everybody; those who emerge must be prepared. Women are industrious, peacemakers and the driving force that can bring balance to governance”.
Highpoint of the visits was the presentation of the Special Seats for Women Bill, duly signed by the women, to the federal lawmakers representing the various federal constituencies across the state.
The visits formed part of ongoing advocacies by women groups across the state to mobilise support for the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill at the National Assembly.