By Emmanuel Nduka
Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari on Wednesday stormed the National Assembly to observe the presentation of the report of the Special Ad-hoc Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Accompanied by the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen and the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, Mrs Buhari was at the legislative chambers to show her solidarity and support for some provisions in the constitution review process which had to do with the overall wellbeing and interest of women.
The First Lady appeared first at the Senate where she witnessed the presentation of the report, before moving over to the House of Representatives where she equally observed the presentation of the report.
There are three key provisions in the Constitution Review Reports which covered the interests of women. They are; Provision for special seats for women in the national and state houses of assemblies; Provision for affirmative action for women in political parties’ administration; and Provision of criteria for qualification to become an indigene of a state in Nigeria.
Mrs Buhari and members of her entourage clapped to express their solidarity and support when three of the provisions which covered the interests of women were presented at the House of Representatives.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan welcomed the entourage at around midday.
Subsequently, the First Lady and her entourage were also ushered into the House of Representatives chamber by the Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno and the Deputy Chief Whip, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Meanwhile, Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado Doguwa had earlier moved the motion to usher in the First Lady to observe the day’s proceeding.
Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila while welcoming the First Lady, said she was in the House to witness the presentation of the report on the constitution review and to show her support, especially on the aspects that had to do with women’s interests.
“Your Excellency, that is the report of the constitutional review committee. It has three provisions that will affect women positively. I can assure you that every man here is a “he for she”. We are still in the process and there are a lot of lobbying to be done by both Houses. By the grace of God, we will get through all of these,” he said.
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