APC WOMAN LEADER DR. MARY ALILE URGES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO REVISIT REJECTED GENDER BILLS

The National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, has urged the National Assembly to reconsider the gender-related constitutional amendment bills rejected in 2022, particularly the provision seeking reserved seats for women in both state and federal legislatures.

Speaking at a women-focused policy dialogue in Abuja, Dr. Alile described the rejection of the bills as a missed opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through inclusive governance.

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The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his renewed investment in the state’s health sector, describing it as a major boost for healthcare delivery. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, and made available to journalists in Benin City on Friday, the Association expressed excitement over the planned establishment of a modern Paediatric Centre at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Dr. Oseghale noted that the project, valued at ₦2.5 billion, would significantly improve child healthcare services in Edo State and beyond, given UBTH’s wide catchment area that serves over eight states. The NMA also hailed the Governor’s planned renovation of the Resident Doctors’ Quarters in Benin, as well as the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund for members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) under Edo State Government employment. “We are particularly thrilled about the planned establishment of a modern Paediatric Centre at UBTH, a project estimated at ₦2.5 billion. This initiative will greatly enhance child care services in Edo State and beyond,” Dr. Oseghale stated. He added: “We also applaud the planned renovation of the Resident Doctors’ Quarters in Ezoti, Benin City, and the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund for our members in the Association of Resident Doctors.” While congratulating Governor Okpebholo on his 55th birthday, the NMA chairman prayed for long life, good health, and greater wisdom for him to continue delivering quality service to Edo people and Nigeria at large.

“The rejection of the gender bills, especially the one advocating reserved legislative seats for women, was a missed opportunity to deepen democracy and strengthen inclusive governance. I respectfully urge the 10th National Assembly to reconsider these bills in the spirit of equity, justice, and progress,” she stated.

She stressed that the call for reserved seats is not an act of charity, but a matter of constitutional fairness and strategic national development, noting that several African countries have adopted similar measures to close gender gaps in politics.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent women into strategic roles, Dr. Alile maintained that elective representation remains the ultimate test of inclusion.

“We cannot continue to have single-digit female representation in the National Assembly when women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population. It is not just undemocratic; it is a distortion of national reality,” she added.

The APC Woman Leader recalled how the 9th National Assembly’s rejection of the bills in March 2022 sparked nationwide protests and renewed debate on gender equity. She acknowledged lawmakers’ concerns about expanding government but insisted that inclusion is “an investment in national stability.”

She also called on political parties, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and the media to support renewed advocacy for gender-responsive legislation.

“Let us rise above partisanship and personal interests. This is about the soul of our democracy and the future of our daughters,” she concluded.

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