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Reserve Seat Bill: House Expresses Commitment to Women’s Participation

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The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the Reserve Seat Bill is a commitment to enhance women’s political representation and address gender disparity in governance.

Kalu, at a Special Dialogue on Reserved Seats Bill Under SheThePeople Platform, on Thursday in Abuja, said that the bill was not an act of tokenism.

He was represented by Dr Sam Hart, his Chief of Staff, at the dialogue which was hosted by Emerge Women Development Initiative in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Centre for Women Development (ECWD).

Its theme was, “Deepening the Conversation, Accelerating Women’s Representation in Governance”.

The deputy speaker stressed the need to examine provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and ensure that they promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“This bill is not just a piece of legislation, neither is it an act of tokenism.

“It is proof of our collective commitment to change the narrative and to disrupt the status quo that has long sidelined women from decision making tables,” he said.

Kalu stressed the need to examine the electoral laws, party politics and societal norms that hinder women’s representation and create an inclusive and equitable society.

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He reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to advocate for policies that will see women, not as tokens, but as equal partners in governance, urging all stakeholders to commit towards gender equality.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, advised women to keep pushing for the passage of the bill.

“Start talking to the party people. Let there be a law that if you do not meet certain quota, you are not going to run for elections, not just in elective but also at appointment.

“So, they should make it possible that at least 35 per cent are women, so that they could also be able to bring 35 per cent or more that will be party executives.

“This will also have women that make primaries, which will help them contest during elections,” she said.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, said that the bill would deepen democracy, enrich governance with inclusivity, and ensure that decision-making reflects the full diversity of the nation.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim was represented by Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Leader, All Progressive Congress (APC).

She said that the bill would also enhance Nigeria’s global standing and position as a credible leader in advancing gender equality across Africa and beyond.

Mrs Mary Ikoku, Founder, SheThePeople platform, said that the reserved seats for women will ensure inclusive representation and reflect the diversity of Nigerian society.

“We are not asking for favour. What we are asking for are just constitutional rights of women and girls to have rights to leadership,” she said.

Meanwhile, Aisha Yesufu, a renowned political and human rights activist, during a panel discussion, urged the National Assembly to pass a bill to enable the country thrive and promote gender equity.

The Ninth Assembly has come and gone and history has recorded that it was its members that vehemently rejected the bill.

“For the Tenth Assembly, I have this to say: sign the bill on reserved seats for women if you want to be remembered,” she said.

Other activities included a panel discussion on Building a Strong Case for the Reserved Seats Bill: Strategies for Advocacy and Lobbying for Passage. (NAN)

 

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Former VP Atiku, Gov. Makinde Hold Closed-Door Talks with IBB in Minna

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February 10, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde are currently engaged in a closed-door meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), at his Uphill Residence in Minna.

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Atiku arrived in Minna at approximately 1:30 PM local time, proceeding directly from the airport to the meeting venue. Governor Seyi Makinde joined the session around 2:10 PM, after which the high-level discussions commenced.

A brief press statement may be issued following the conclusion of the private talks. The agenda and details of the meeting remain undisclosed.

 

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Senate Approves Manual transmission of Results as Backup to Electronic

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February 10, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senate has, on February 10, 2026, amended votes and proceedings of its plenary sitting last week Wednesday 4th February, with regards to its resolutions on the provisions of section 60 sub 3 in the electoral act amendment bill.

The motion moved today by the Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and endorsed by the Senate is with regards to transmission of election results from polling units.

Following the motion, senate adopts electronic means for the transmission of election results, but should there be a communication glitch that leads to failure of delivery by the electronic means, the form EC8, which contains the results at polling unit, duely entered on the form, stamped and signed by the election officer and counter signed by the various agents shall be the primary source of collation.

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After the vote on the motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe moved a counter motion calling for a division, that is individual voting on the section 60 sub 3.

He however withdrew the motion, and Akpabio, after a brief pause and back and forth, eventually upheld Abaribe’s position and allowed the withdrawal to stand.

Meanwhile, the Senate has appointed 12 members to work with the House of Representatives on the Electoral Amendment Act.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the members of the committee on during the emergency plenary session.

Among the members are Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Tahir Mungono.

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Alhaji Alkasim Musa Rewards Kano Pillars Players with ₦1.2m After Remo Stars Victory

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9 hours ago

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February 10, 2026

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It was a moment of joy and motivation for Sai Masu Gida on Sunday as Kano Pillars FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Remo Stars and were handsomely rewarded for their dominant display.

Businessman and staunch supporter of the club, Alhaji Alkasim Musa, gifted the Kano Pillars players the sum of ₦1 million in appreciation of their impressive performance and fighting spirit against the visitors.

Mid-season signing Luis Dadong proved to be the difference on the day, netting the decisive goal in the 57th minute to secure all three points for the Pride of Kano at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

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At the end of the encounter, midfielder Olakunle Alaka was named Man of the Match, an award presented by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter. In recognition of his outstanding display, Alhaji Alkasim Musa further rewarded Alaka with an additional ₦200,000.

The generous gesture by Alhaji Alkasim Musa was warmly received by the players and officials, serving as a major morale boost as the team continues its push for a strong finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Next up, Sai Masu Gida will be on the road as they travel to Ilorin, Kwara State, to face Kwara United in NPFL Matchday 26, aiming to build on the momentum and secure valuable points away from home.

 

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