10th NASS: Female Representative Criticizes APC, Bemoans Women’s Exclusion

Adewunmi Onanuga claimed that her party ought to have consulted its constituents before announcing a zoning formula.

Adewunmi Onanuga, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member who represents Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has voiced her displeasure about the omission of women from the zoning formula her party produced in advance of the 10th National Assembly (NASS)’s inauguration.

Onanuga said all the women who expressed interest in leading the 10th NASS were denied a chance by the APC in a guest appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics on Thursday.

“Three of us emerged with aspirations. We felt that the female gender needed a seat at the decision-making table, so we decided to throw our hats into the ring,” she said.

Not one woman, not two women, but “most likely three women in the leadership of 10 people” should be given an opportunity, the representative, who was successfully re-elected to the green chamber, said.

Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin received support from the APC National Working Committee (NWC) earlier this week for the positions of Deputy Senate President and Senate President, respectively. Additionally, Tajudeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu received the support of the ruling party for the jobs of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.

Onanuga said in a statement on Thursday, “We are requesting that whatever is left in the majority, at least one should come to a woman and two others. I don’t believe that asking for three out of ten is unreasonable.

“There are eight more seats in the House of Representatives after the two presiding positions were filled. Five for minority leaders and three for the majority. If we are to base our decision on the recent court victory for 35 percent affirmative action.

With “There Is No Balance,”
The disgruntled candidate for deputy speaker claimed her party ought to have consulted its members before announcing any zoning scheme.

“It’s critical that equity win out. There is no balance in the current state. A balance of 4-0 for presiding officers is not ideal. We must actively interact more and acknowledge everyone who feels wronged. I feel resentful, particularly of myself and the (lack of) gender balance, she said.