Adewunmi Onanuga, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who represents the Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has spoken out against her party’s decision to leave women out of the zoning formula that was released in advance of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).
Onanuga made her remarks on Thursday as a guest on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics. She stated that the APC did not provide any opportunities to the women who expressed an interest in holding leadership positions in the 10th NASS.
“We were a group of three people who came out with aspirations. According to what she had to say, “the reason we wanted to put our hats in the ring is because we feel that the female gender needed to have a seat at the table of decision-making.” “We feel that the female gender needed to have a seat at the table of decision-making.”
The Rep, who won her reelection to the green chamber, said, “Not one woman, not two women” should be given an opportunity but “most possibly three women in the leadership of 10 people”.
Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin were endorsed by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) earlier in the week for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively. Additionally, Tajudeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu were supported for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, by the party that is currently in power.
Onanuga made the following statement while speaking on Thursday: “We are asking that whatever is left in the majority, at least one should come to a woman and two others.” We are requesting three out of ten, and I do not believe that is an unreasonable request.
There are still eight seats available in the House of Representatives after the two seats reserved for the speakers were filled. There will be three leaders representing the majority, and there will be five representing the minority. If we are going to go by the affirmative action ruling of 35 percent that was just handed down by the court.”
‘There Is No Balance’
The disgruntled candidate for deputy speaker claimed her party ought to have consulted its members before announcing any zoning formula.
“It’s critical that equity win out. There is no balance in the current state. 4-0 for presiding officers is not a good balance. We need to truly engage some more and recognise all those who are aggrieved. I am outraged, mainly for myself and for the (lack of) gender balance,” she stated.
