Deputy speaker seeks Delaware partnership on gender, health reforms
The Deputy Speaker explained that beyond women’s political participation, the committee is working on several critical constitutional reforms such as decentralizing policing and security, strengthening local government autonomy to bring governance closer to the people.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives,.Dr. Benjamin Kalu, , has called for partnership with the State of Delaware to support Nigeria’s efforts in promoting gender equity, educational and health reforms.
The Deputy Speaker made the call when he received a delegation from the State of Delaware, United States of America led by the immediate past Governor, Bethany Hall-Long, at the National Assembly .
Addressing the delegation, Dr. Kalu who chairs the Committee on Constitution Review said that central to their work is the Special Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which seeks to guarantee women’s representation in the legislative chambers through constitutionally reserved seats.
The Deputy Speaker explained that beyond women’s political participation, the committee is working on several critical constitutional reforms such as decentralizing policing and security, strengthening local government autonomy to bring governance closer to the people.
He said Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with the State of Delaware in building sustainable programs that advance mutual interests in women’s empowerment, education, public health, and community development.
He commended the immediate past Governor for her interest in understanding Nigeria’s legislative structure and parliamentary dynamics, expressing optimism that the engagement will transform acquaintances into partners and visits into lasting relationships.
”You have broken barriers, champion the vulnerable, and shown that effective governance requires both courage and compassion. Delaware’s gain has been America’s example, and today, we are privileged to learn from your experience.
Your Excellency, your visit comes at a particularly opportune moment Nigeria’s democratic evolution. As Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, I have the privilege of leading one of the most consequential legislative undertakings of our generation, the work of making our supreme law more responsive to the aspirations of all Nigerians, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
”Central to our work is the Special Reserved Seats for Women Bill, a transformative proposal that seeks to guarantee women’s representation in our legislative chambers through constitutionally reserved seats. We recognize that equality delayed is equality denied, and that waiting for cultural attitudes to organically evolve is a luxury our nation cannot afford.
However, we have also been deliberate in our approach, incorporating a sunset clause into this legislation, a provision that will subject these special seats to periodic review and eventual phase-out once gender parity in political representation has been substantially achieved through organic democratic processes.
”This visit represents the beginning of what we hope will be an enduring partnership. We are eager to share with you the innovations, challenges, and lessons from our legislative journey, particularly our constitutional reform efforts.
Equally, we are ready to learn from Delaware’s experiences in areas where you have excelled, from healthcare policy to community development, from legislative efficiency to constituent engagement. We hope that our discussions on constitutional reform, particularly regarding women’s political participation, will benefit from your insights and experience.
Your perspective as someone who has both lived and led in a mature democracy will be invaluable as we chart our own course toward a more inclusive and representative political system.”
Speaking earlier, Bethany Hall-Long said the visit was to seek partnership with the Deputy Speaker on women’s rights & gender inclusion, post conflict and IDP work as they align with her advocacy.
