Abuja: The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has clarified that the Special Seats Bill currently before the 10th National Assembly is a locally-driven initiative. Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, stated this during a stakeholders’ consultation and communiqu© strategy meeting on the bill’s passage.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the bill is owned by Nigeria, without any financial backing or sponsorship from international partners. Nwankwo emphasized the bill’s sovereign nature, asserting that it is a Nigerian initiative, not influenced by foreign entities. He highlighted the bill’s journey through the 9th Assembly and its current status in the 10th Assembly, spanning six to seven years.
Nwankwo expressed optimism about the bill’s passage due to stakeholders’ efforts in drafting, engaging, and advocating for it. He advised women’s groups to be tactical, employing lobbying, advocacy, and awareness creation ahead of the national assembly’s voting process. He urged a gentle and persuasive approach in advocacy rather than threats.
Mr. Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Policy Affairs, affirmed the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to the bill. He cautioned against relying on rumors about the NASS’s stance, emphasizing that 469 Nigerian legislators would ultimately determine the bill’s fate.
Rotimi clarified that the legislative process should focus on persuasion and evidence-based advocacy, with sustained engagement of those voting. He also advised guiding the media on consistent terminology and public perception of the bill.
Mrs. Aisha Ibrahim, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), described the bill as a moral and political statement reflecting Nigeria’s diversity. She called for a bold and visionary communication strategy to capture the bill’s spirit and substance, urging the 10th NASS to exemplify collective purpose and strategic communication.
