The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Wednesday made a historic visit to the Senate chamber to observe its proceedings on the laying of the report of the 1999 Constitution Review.
She was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Women Affairs, Paullen Tallen, among others.
It was envisaged that one of the provisions in the amendment is women’s political empowerment and gender inclusivity.
During Plenary the Senate leader Abdullahi Yahaya citing order 12 of the standing order to invite the First Lady Mrs Aisha Buhari and other female ministers into the chamber to witness the presentation of the report of the Committee on Constitution Amendment.
The Chairman of the Committee on Constitution Amendment, and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo Agege submitted the report.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan welcomed the First Lady and her entourage.
This is the first time a serving First Lady will be honoured to witness proceedings in the Senate Chamber.
Aisha Buhari visits House of Representatives chamber
The Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, was also received in the House of Representatives Chamber today to witness the formal laying of the report of the Committee on the review of an amendment to the 1999 Constitution.
Hajia Aisha Buhari was ushered into the chamber at about 12.45 pm by the Chief WhipTahir Monguno and Deputy Whip, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, shortly after she left the Senate Chamber.
The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said she was visiting in her capacity as a woman to show support for the amendment in areas that promote the welfare of women.
House receives report on the Amendment of 1999 Constitution
The House of Representatives has received the report of its Special Committee on the Amendment of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The amendment, the 6th since the return of Nigeria to Democracy twenty-three years ago, focused on 68 areas, aimed at improving governance in the country.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House Ahmed Wase, said out of the proposed amendments three affected women as regards to their participation in governance.
Wase disclosed that there is provision for special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, abrogation of State/Local Government Joint Account, Financial Independence to State Assemblies and Judiciary among others.
Others according to him are recognition of Local Government as a tier of government, making free and compulsory basic education as a right of every Nigerian as well as allowing States to build and operate Airports, prisons as well as power generation, transmission and distribution.
While commending the committee for the job, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the report will be considered and adopted next week Wednesday.
RN
