NILOWV calls for policy in the on-going Constitution review to avert Gender Bias in Nigerian Politic

NILOWV calls for policy in the on-going Constitution review to avert Gender Bias in Nigerian Politic

The President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Hon. Irene Awunal Ikyegh, strongly condemns the recent incident where Senator (Mrs.) Victoria Chinta, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Ebonyi State, was denied the opportunity to represent her chosen state, Nasarawa State, solely based on her gender. This egregious act of discrimination is a blatant violation of women’s rights and a significant setback for gender equality in Nigeria.

Senator Chinta, who is married to a Nasarawa State indigene and resides in the state, was elected to represent Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone. However, she was denied the opportunity to take her seat in the Senate due to gender-based restrictions in the Nigerian Constitution.

NILOWV advocates for the urgent review of the Constitution to remove gender-based restrictions and ensure equal representation of women in politics. We call on the National Assembly that has initiate a comprehensive review of the Nigerian Constitution to accelerate the process so as to eliminate gender bias and ensure women have equal opportunities to participate in politics. Specifically, we demand that the Constitutional Amendment Committee adopt NILOWV’s submission, which addresses this issue and other gender-based violations, including gender-based violence.

The denial of Senator Chinta’s right to represent her chosen state is a clear violation of her human rights and a setback for gender equality in Nigeria. NILOWV urges all Nigerians to join us in this fight for gender equality and demand a fair and just society for all.

We call on the National Assembly to take immediate action to address this injustice and ensure that women are given equal opportunities to participate in politics. We demand an end to discrimination against women in political positions and urge the government to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. _Signed_ Hon Irene Awunah-Ikyegh President, League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)