The race for the speakership of the House of Representatives in Nigeria is nearing its peak, with a woman, princes Marriam Onuoha, pushing for total support for a female Speaker.
Princess Onuoha recently won a third term, as the federal lawmaker representing Okigwe North/ Onuimo/Isiala Mbano constituency of Imo State.
To a large extent, she knows the politics of the House and she wants to cast her dice for the Speaker’s position.
She officially joined the race for the position of the Speaker of the 10th Assembly on Wednesday.
So far, she is the only female vying for the position.
Therefore, she calls on President-elect Bola Tinubu to support her ambition.
Also, she says Mr Tinubu should show support for the ongoing struggle for gender equity in political leadership and women’s representation in government.
Also, Onuoha says her ambition to become Nigeria’s second female Speaker offers the president-elect a rare opportunity.
According to her, Tinubu can show that he aligns with the 35% affirmative action for women, by making her the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“Electing and supporting a female speaker will become another test of him driving the 35% affirmative action.
“As well as part of an action plan toward the implementation of the national gender policy,” she says.
According to her, being elected as speaker will kill “the two ubiquitous birds of gender balancing and youth inclusiveness” in the political landscape.
Why Others Should Step Down
Onuoha appeals to her male colleagues who are competing against her to step down for her.
According to her, by doing so, they would be contributing to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.
Also, it would be a way of thanking women who voted massively for them during the last general election, she says.
“We want to own the process, we want to be on the table and we don’t just want to have a voice.
“We want to have a strong voice so that we can address issues that border on women as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
“…Everybody knows that there’s not been enough inclusion in the affairs of the management of the National Assembly,” she states.
“Stepping down is a necessary step toward addressing gender imbalance.
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“It would also send a strong message that women are just as capable of leading and governing as men.
“If Nigeria and our democracy have to advance, my candidature has to be pushed and the support would come from my fellow contestants, Onuoha concludes.
