Nigerian Senate Fails To Pass The Gender And Equal Opportunities Bill

First is a Bill for an Act to incorporate and enforce certain provision of the United Nations Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the protocol of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa and other matters connected therewith, 2016 SB. 116 by Senator Biodun Olujimi of Ekiti South Senatorial District .

Senator Olujimi now rises to lead the debate on the hopes and plans of the Gender and Opportunity Bill.

Senator Olujimi points out that the proposed bill seeks to promote equality, development and advancement of all persons in Nigeria. The proposed law also speaks on the women’s freedom of movement, female economic activity and girls’ access to education.

Senator Olujimi further points out concerns on equal rights for women in marriage, divorce, property/land ownership and inheritance. The Bill seeks adoption of special temporary measures to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for majority of Nigerians. The Bill also seeks appropriate measures against gender discrimination in political and public life and prohibitions of violence to women.

Senator Bala Na’Allah now rises to speak in support of the Bill. He says discrimination is a worldwide issue &the need for adequate measures. Senator Na’Allah also speaks about the need to protect the widowhood and inheritance rights of women.

Senator Gobir also rises to speak in support of the bill on gender and Equal opportunity.

Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu now rises and says 70% of Nigerian Lawyers are women and there’s also a large percentage of female judges. Senator Ekweremadu says he totally supports the Bill and asks that all Senators should as well support.

Senator @FatimatRasaki now rises and says the Bill on gender and equal opportunity is long overdue.

Senate Leader Ndume now speaks in support of the Bill. He says issues regarding widowhood, inheritance & divorce rights have to be sorted. Senate Leader Ali Ndume says the challenge is the combination of our tradition and new religious beliefs affecting us.

Senator @GarbaBinta rises and also speaks in support of the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill. She totally supports the objectives.

Senator Rufai Ahmed now rises and speaks against the Bill. He says the Nigerian Constitution is clear regarding the rights of individuals.

Senator Adamu Aliero also rises and speaks against the Bill. He also points out that the Constitution gives each man or woman his rights.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha now takes the floor. He speaks on the deep biblical and historical perspective and speaks against the Bill.

Senate President now puts the Bill to Vote and the Nays have it. The Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill does not pass second reading.