HURIWA Tasks APC On Redeeming Campaign Promise

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June, civil rights advocacy group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to redeem its party's campaign promise of more opportunities for women to head positions in National Assembly.

This was as the group endorsed Princess Onuoha, a member representing Onuimo/Isiala Mbano/Okigwe Federal Constituency from Imo State, for the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

HURIWA, in a statement read at a media briefing on Wednesday, in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said since the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC zoned the Deputy Speakership position to the South-East zone, it was only sensible and acceptable for the party with the majority of members in the National Assembly to select a woman for the role.

The group said already, the 10th Senate and 10th House of Representatives, which will resume by June are male-dominated, with about 20 women in both legislative chambers.

HURIWA said it was appalling that the APC and its President-elect promised women inclusion during their campaigns but paid lip service to affirmative action as well as gender and equal opportunity in Nigeria immediately after their election.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “It is just insensitive for the APC not to include a single woman among the top six political positions in the country despite the party’s spineless promises about affirmative action.

“APC should ensure 35 percent affirmative action for the leadership of the National Assembly and reserve the office of the Deputy Speaker for a very competent lawmaker in the person of Hon Onuoha.