Obasanjo wants Nigerian constitution amended to include 40 percent slot for women in politics

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo suggested Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution needs to be amended to include 40 percent slots for women in the National Assembly and other levels of governance.

He spoke at the 70th birthday of former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Josephine Anenih in Abuja on Tuesday where he presented a paper entitled, “Nigerian Democracy and the Journey So far: The Role of Women.”

Obasanjo maintained that the nation’s democracy would grow at low pace without the active participation of women.

“Our constitution should be amended to allow 40 percent of women participation in politics. The health of our democracy can be judged by the participation of women.

“The low number of women at the National Assembly is unacceptable and makes mockery of gender balance.

“Democracy is a system of government that allows team spirit and debate before decisions are reached; it is a government for all citizens to benefit without fear or favour,” Obasanjo said.

Prominent politicians at the event include former governors of Jigawa and Anambra States, Sule Lamido and Peter Obi, among others.