Nigerian First Lady Aisha Buhari attended the plenary sessions of both chambers of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, February 23.
The President’s wife attended the plenary to show her support for an item for amendment in the 1999 constitution. The item seeks for seats to be created for female legislators.
The Nigerian First Lady was accompanied to the plenary by the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; and the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed.
He visit followed the announcement by Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege on Tuesday that the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment would today (Wednesday) lay the report of the 1999 Constitution review before the Senate.
After visiting the plenary of the Senate Mrs Buhari turned to the House of Representatives and was admitted into the Chamber to witness the laying of the constitution amendment bills.
Addressing the plenary, Reps Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila told the House that the First Lady came to show support for women, in certain areas of the constitutional amendment which will benefit women.
The federal lawmakers said they would on March 1, vote on the amendments proposed on the 1999 Constitution.
Meanwhile, in a post on its Twitter handle over the President’s Wife visit, the Green Chamber wrote:
“Happening now!
First Lady, Mrs Aisha @MBuhari, visits, admitted into House of Representatives Chamber. Mrs Buhari is on a visit to observe legislative proceedings.
“The @HouseNGR is about receiving reports on 68 constitution amendment bills.
“Some of the bills touch on reforms to engender female participation in politics, gender balancing. One bill seeks to create special senatorial, @HouseNGR and House of Assembly seats in the 36 states and the FCT to be occupied by only women.
“It is titled, “Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Special Seat for Women in the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for Related Matters”.