House of Reps to reconsider three gender-related Bills after protest
Following days of constant protests by some women groups, the House of Representatives has decided to rescind its earlier rejection of three gender-related bills.
The House made the disclosure on Tuesday after it had rejected the gender-related bills during voting on the constitutional amendment.
The three bills failed to get the required 240 votes on Tuesday.
Others were the bills on citizenship, indigeneship, and 35 percent affirmative action for women.
Women groups have since the rejection of the bills besieged the gate to the National Assembly to protest the action.
However, at its resumed sitting on Tuesday, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said there was the need for the House to rescind the decision for the good of the country.
He said the House will set aside its rules and relist them in the next batch of a constitutional amendment, which will be presented to the House in the next four weeks for voting.
Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business Abubakar Hassan Fulata moved a motion to rescind the decision, which was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Toby Okechukwu.
He said it was important to do so in solidarity with women on the occasion of international women’s day.
