Mercy Adi
Abuja, FCT—Hon. Clement Jimbo, member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency at the 10th National Assembly, has called for more seats for Nigerian women.
The lawmaker stated these while responding to questions from journalists at the international legislative dialogue on women and constitution amendment in Nigeria, organized by the House Committee on Constitution Review in conjunction with the European Union (EU) and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), held in Abuja.
The lawmaker asserted that, “Going by the history of creation in Genesis 1:1-27, God Almighty created both men and women. Women are asking for 35%, but to me, 35% is not enough. If you look at God’s creation, it was 50/50. Similarly, Nigeria’s population shows that women outnumber men, so asking for 35% is insufficient.
Hon. Jumbo explained the bases of his his position, “Throughout my primary, secondary school, and university days, I interacted with business people and discovered that those who excel exceptionally are mostly women. The people who elected me to represent Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika in the House of Representatives were mostly women. I observed that women can withstand challenges that many men cannot.
“During my election, I saw women’s determination when voting started late. They stood firm, regardless of rain or sun, to cast their votes. When women make up their minds to support a cause, they stand by it.
“Therefore, I support the 10th National Assembly’s efforts, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas, and the constitutional review led by Rt. Hon. Kalu, to empower women. Just as one cannot clap with one hand, we need both hands to clap well. I urge all legislators, especially governors and state assemblies, to support women when the House of Representatives implements the law, he said
He further I appealed to all governors to allow women to showcase their talents, and help influence bills in state houses of assembly while Urging all women to take advantage of the ongoing move by the House of representatives to alter the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended to provide for Seat Reservation for Women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
The outspoken federal lawmaker emphasized that women should equally take advantage of the agitation, and advocacy, to make themselves visibly available for elective positions henceforth.
“politics is not an easy task but whoever is coming into it must be convinced of what he or she is embarking on, that way there would be a clear vision of what is set to be achieved thereafter.
He debunked insinuations that funds have been the major challenge women in politics are facing, saying that funding issue is applicable to both men and women.
“I don’t think funding is the major challenge women are facing in politics, they must make themselves available and visible. The first thing is conviction. What is driving you to come out to represent your people? It’s a representative position. It is your vision for your people, and your passion and your courage today will make you stand the test of time.
“How much money did I have as compared to the person I contested election against, with an incumbent. So everything is not all about money. What is your persuasive advocacy? Why are you able to gather people and talk and communicate your vision to? Because election is not a tea party. You must be prepared. It’s like a war, and you must be prepared to go all out, and that is not to send any fear to anybody. But one thing is certain, that even in the business world, for you to go out there, register a company, put your team together, go there, scout for jobs, buy the tender document, bid for your technicals, bid for your financial and go for the opening tender. Your award letter is given to you. You mobilize resources, go to site and talk to people and execute the project. Is not a work in the park. How much more than an election where you are representing individuals, where your policies and your programs translate into impactation of lives. So women should take advantage of this. And you can be sure that clement Jimbo speaking right now and he will be one of those that will vote in support of this very bill,” he concluded.