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Nigeria To Revisit Rejected Gender Equality Bill – Lawmaker
Nigeria To Revisit Rejected Gender Equality Bill – Lawmaker
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has assured the regional legislature that the five discarded gender equality bills for action are still up for reconsideration by the Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Hon. Linda Ikpeazu, a lawmaker representing Nigeria at the ECOWAS Parliament said this while responding to criticisms by some members of the Parliament following Nigeria’s Presentation at the 2022 First Ordinary Session of the regional Parliament in Abuja yesterday.
The Nigerian National Assembly had on March 1, 2022 rejected constitutional bills seeking to create more inclusion of women in political and appointive positions and other gender equity issues.
This development drew serious criticisms from some Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, who had expressed their disappointment with the Nigerian lawmakers for throwing out the Gender Equity bills that were brought before the House of Representatives.
Ikpeazu while reading Nigeria’s Country report said that despite the five gender bills that were thrown out, Nigeria remains resolute to enact equitable laws that will address gender inequity.
She however, noted that more sensitization will be carried out for Members of the National Assembly to understand the bill better, adding that it will be revisited and hopefully passed into law.
“Nigeria’s commitment to implementation of ECOWAS Texts on Equality of Rights between Women and Men resonates in her ongoing constitution amendment.
“Five of the bills that were put to vote at the National Assembly were focused on gender equity- to promote more opportunities for women in governance and the society at large.
“The Gender Equity Bills underscore the following; additional seat for women in legislature; indigeneship rights for married women; citizenship by registration for non-Nigerian men married to Nigerian women; 35 percent affirmative action for women in political party administration and reserved quota for women in cabinet positions.
“Regrettably, all the bills were rejected. Despite this set back, the Nigerian National Assembly remains resolute in her vision to enact equitable laws that will address gender imbalances in our socio-political environment.
“The leadership is working hard to make sure some of the bills will be re- presented to the House and be passed.
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“We are lawmakers and we know that for bills to be passed, we need to do more sensitisation and engagements with our colleagues.
“We have learnt our lessons and with the support of the leadership there will be a difference,” Ikpeazu said.
The Parliamentarians who slammed Nigeria for discarding the gender bills had done so probably because of the expectation that Nigeria will set the pace to meet the 35 per cent affirmation of women inclusion and gender equity.
Hon. Veronika Sessay, a Member of Parliament from Sierra Leone, said that Nigeria as the “Big brother” of Africa should set a pace for other countries to follow as they expect a positive outcome once the bills are reconsidered.
“We were expecting Nigeria to have done this so that we can follow. And let me tell you, Sierra-Leone is on the way and I am sure that in our next reports we will tell you that we have passed the gender bill.
“In as much as they have said that they are taking another commitment that they are going to do it, how soon?
“We were not happy when it was thrown away, so I am appealing to our big brothers, Nigeria, all we need is equality, development and peace, that is what is stated in our national song.
“Where there are more women you will see the change in the world. Nigeria, we expect more from you and let us see how you can pass this bill before Sierra Leone,” Sessay said.
Similarly, Hon. Kibba Barrow from the Gambia urged all Member countries to ensure passage of gender bills that will guarantee women’s rights and gender issues.
Nigeria To Revisit Rejected Gender Equality Bill – Lawmaker
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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