National Assembly Was Wrong To Reject Special Seats For Women — Sir Udensi

A chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Sir Chikwe Udensi has expressed anger over the decision of the National Assembly to overwhelmingly vote against 35 percent affirmative action for women, saying action is wrong.

He accused people he described as old men who have an archaic belief that women are not meant to lead of being responsible for why the Bill was voted against on Tuesday during a voting process to amend the 1999 Constitution.

While commending the National Assembly for voting in favour of other Bills, including independence of the judiciary, removal of electricity from exclusive to concurrent list, autonomy of the local government and other issues, he expressed sadness over the rejection of the affirmative action Bill, describing it as unfortunate.

The Abia governorship aspirant said even though men are placed at an advantage when it comes to mobilising funds to prosecute election, women should be given opportunity to have a reasonable level acceptance and involvement in governance.

“They still have this old attitude that women don’t have much to do in the society. Time has changed. Women are doing a whole lot more.

“If you check around the world where women are Presidents and Prime Ministers, they are doing great,” he said.

The Interpol Systems Consultant urged that women should not be relegated to the background, adding that the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a clear example that women have capacity to lead.