Women storm House of Reps members’ offices in Abia, demand more legislative seats, appointments

 

Women from different advocacy groups have stormed the constituency offices of two members of the House of Representatives from Abia State, Obi Aguocha and Mascot Ikwechegh, to demand more seats for women in state and federal legislative houses.

The women were drawn from the League of Women Voters, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Association of Muslim Women, People with Disabilities, among other groups.

The women, in large numbers, first took their demand to the Umuahia office of the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha, before moving to Aba to register their case at the office of Mascot Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency.

Speaking about the advocacy, the Chairperson of FIDA in Abia State, Njideka Aniawonwa, expressed displeasure with the National Assembly for the delay in the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women.

The women, who were holding green leaves, said they came to solicit the support of the Abia House of Representatives members for the passage of the bill.

They said that if passed, the bill would enhance inclusivity in all tiers of government, arguing that women are underrepresented in affairs of governance despite their large numbers.

Receiving the message from the women in Aba, Mr. Sunny Amabo promised to convey their message to Mascot Ikwechegh.