ConstitutionReview: “Nigerian Women Cannot Go Back to Business as Usual,” — Chief Igbinedion-Ogwuche
As the National Assembly prepares to vote on one of the most consequential democratic reforms in Nigeria’s history, with the Reserved Seats for Women Bill advancing to its Third Reading, TOS Foundation Founder, Chief Mrs Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, has reminded the nation that “Nigerian women cannot go back to business as usual.”
Source: Twitter
Speaking at the FIDA Nigeria, Abuja, Law Week, Chief Osasu noted that the country has come too far, and the movement has built too much momentum, for Nigeria to retreat into old patterns of exclusion. She stated that this moment represents “the closest we have ever been to structurally opening the doors of governance to Nigeria’s women,” adding that the progress so far is the direct result of years of advocacy, organising, and unwavering determination across the country.
Chief Osasu highlighted that while Nigeria has made measurable strides, the final victory will depend on strengthening collective action. She explained that this is the time for every sector to stand firm, because “no democracy can reach its full potential when half of its population is missing from the rooms where decisions are made.” She stressed that the movement now requires the voices of people from every occupation, every community, and every generation, committed to pushing this Bill across the finish line.
She also emphasised the critical role of the legal community as the Bill approaches a decisive vote. According to her, Nigeria needs lawyers “who are able to wield the law, interpret the law, and defend the law in ways that expand access, protect rights, and ensure that the reforms we fight for become the reforms that are implemented.” She stated that if the law has been used in the past to exclude women, then this is the moment to use the law to include them.
Chief Osasu reaffirmed that the Reserved Seats initiative is not about favouring women but about correcting long-standing structural imbalances that have limited Nigeria’s progress. She said that expanding women’s representation will strengthen governance, improve policy outcomes, and ensure that the perspectives of millions of Nigerian women are reflected in national decision-making.
She concluded by calling on advocates, lawmakers, institutions, and citizens to remain focused and united as the country enters the final stretch of this legislative process.
“We are close, closer than ever before,” she said, “but history is shaped by those who refuse to stop pushing. This is the moment for all of us to stand together and ensure that Nigeria chooses progress.”
Introduced in the House of Representatives as HB1349 by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Reserved Seats For Women’s Bill has already drawn support from the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, the Senate President, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, and international bodies like the UK Government.
Source: Legit.ng
