By John Ikani
The National Assembly has rejected a constitutional bill seeking to create special seats for women in the Federal Legislative arm of Government.
The bill was entitled,” A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide For Special Seats for Women at the National and State Houses of Assembly”.
Despite enjoying the backing of Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, and Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the bill failed to get the lawmakers’ nod, as both chambers of the National Assembly voted on it on Tuesday.
While the House voted 81-208 to throw the bill out, the Senate had a 30-58 vote.
Both chambers of the National Assembly voted on 68 constitutional bills on Tuesday.
The lawmakers used electronic voting and not the voice-vote method employed for the confirmation of nominees and the passing of bills and motions.
The Senate President said only bills that are passed in both chambers will be sent to the state houses of assembly.
