Obasanjo wants 40% slots for women in politics

- Olusegun Obasanjo has called for active women participation in Nigerian politics

- The former president said the constitution should be amended to allow 40% slots for women in politics

- He said Nigeria's democracy would grow at low pace without the active participation of women

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to improve governance in Nigeria.

Obasanjo said the constitution should include 40% slots for women in the National Assembly and other levels of government.

Daily Trust reports that while presenting a paper titled: Nigerian Democracy and the Journey So far: The Role of Women at the 70th birthday of former minister of women affairs, Josephine Anenih, Obasanjo said there is need for active women participation in politics.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Queen Worlu, Nigeria's ambassador to Republic of Sao Tome and Principe dies at her duty post

The former president said Nigeria's democracy would grow at slow pace without the active participation of women.

“The health of our democracy can be judged by the participation of women. The low number of women at the National Assembly is unacceptable and makes mockery of gender balance," Obasanjo said.

Also present at the event were former governors of Jigawa and Anambra states, Sule Lamido and Peter Obi.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the former president had earlier pressed for Nigerian women to participate in politics ahead of Nigeria’s 2019 general elections.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app

Obasanjo while speaking at the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) 14th Annual Lecture on Wednesday, April 4, in Lagos said Nigeria had a higher percentage of women but fewer were involved in politics.

He said 2019 would provide the litmus test for women in politics and encouraged them to actively participate.

APC official tells why his party could be voted out in 2019 - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng