The First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has taken the battle for the establishment of a gender agenda commission to the National Assembly.
Aisha, who made a surprised appearance in both chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives, pushed her advocacy for affirmative action on behalf of Nigerian women.
Recall that the two Special Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution had recommended the entrenchment of 3 new provisions to provide for special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly, the inclusion of women in political administration, and to reserve a quota for women into executive positions as an affirmative action.
The First Lady told the lawmakers that the proper placement of women in the front row is not only on account of affirmative action, but in consideration of their merit, special skills, distinct endowment, and several other exceptional qualities that God has conferred on women in the service of humanity.
“Nigerian women and men, therefore expect no less than the provision of a National Gender Agenda Commission as a mechanism to address the issues of gender demographics, inclusivity, and opportunity.”
Aisha Buhari recalls how she spearheaded the APC Women and Youth Presidential Campaign which was predicated on the quest for a realistic national gender agenda and believes that its entrenchment in the constitution will represent the crowning glory of the campaign promise of the ruling All Progressive Congress.
The First Lady commended the bold efforts of APC state governors in their determination to ensure the achievement of the ruling party’s campaign promises and bequeath an improved democratic culture. She expressed confidence in the resolve of state houses of assembly to deliver on the constitutional alteration exercise, especially in concurring with the National Assembly on the National gender agenda.
Aisha Buhari commended the 9th National Assembly for the ongoing constitutional alteration process which has promised to be one of the most profound deliverables for which posterity will judge them.
As President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, the First Lady sought the understanding and partnership of the National Assembly to honour womanhood by gifting women of their request and proving exemplary leadership for other countries to follow.
