Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, and a leading voice in Nigerian civil society advocacy, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, in this interview raises critical issues regarding preparations for the 2027 general elections, creation of state police, and Special Seats Bill before the 10th National Assembly. Onyebuchi Ezigbo brings excerpts.
What is your assessment of the progress being made by the 10th National Assembly in addressing issues of concern to Nigerians through constitutional amendments?
I am hoping that the 10th National Assembly understands the importance of delivering on its promise to amend portions of the Constitution that citizens have asked to be amended. It is three years into the 10th National Assembly, with only a few more months to go.
I think Nigerians will be greatly disappointed if the National Assembly does not deliver on its promise to amend areas of serious concern.
One of those areas is the Special Seats for Women Representation Bill. When you look at the National Assembly, less than four percent of women are represented in the legislative chambers. I think that is scandalous for our politics: out of 469 members of the National Assembly, we have just about 20 who are women. The National Assembly should feel embarrassed by this situation.
