Four Women From The East Of The Niger At The 9th Assembly

Four Women From The East Of The Niger At The 9th Assembly

By Onyinye Okeke

The 2019 election wasn’t a good outing for many women with electoral ambition, especially at the National Assembly polls. The political reach which Nigerian women have recorded since the beginning of the 4th republic has continued to diminish each electioneering year.

In the last Nigeria 8th national assembly, women occupied a total of 30 positions at the national assembly, 7 out of 109 seats and 23 out of 360 seats at the house of representatives. In the new 9th National assembly, the number of women dropped again compared to previous years. Only 16 women will be inaugurated today at the National Assembly, 5 at the upper chamber and 11 women at the lower chamber. This figure is a proof of the limited access for women’s political participation in Nigeria.

Women participation and Leadership in politics should be encouraged, so we can benefit from their wide and deep resources and contribution to the society. Improved representation of women have been shown to have benefits such as improved policy changes, economic growth, enhanced peace building and a more egalitarian society.

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According to Bishop Matthew Kukah, “women are in my view the most well positioned in matters of politics”. Women participation and Leadership in politics is essential for any society that wants to grow.

The 9th assembly will feature 4 strong women from the East of the Niger who will play very vital roles in shaping the agenda in the next four years for other women.

Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah;

Princess Stella is the senator representing Anambra North at the upper chamber. This is her second time in the house, prior to being a Senator, she was the minister of aviation under President Goodluck Jonathan. She is known for remarkable contributions to the aviation sector. She is famous among her colleagues both in Abuja and her home state, Anambra.

Uche Lilian Ekwunife;

Senator Uche Ekwunife beat Senator Victor Umeh to clinch the seat of Anambra central at the senate. She has vied for many positions in the past at the state level, she was a member of House of Representatives in 2007 to represent Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia federal constituency and also vied for the number one position in the state(Anambra). She is a woman with seven lives and does not give up at the sight of defeat.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha;

Hon. Nkeiruka represents the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency, Abia state. She was initially elected in 2007 and since then she has returned to the house back to back, in 2015 till date. She is known to be Fearless and very vocal on issues concerning women. She is total mix of fierce and class, which is what endears her to many Nigerians. Hon. Onyejeocha is currently going for the number one seat in the house(Speaker). It will make a difference to have Madam speaker and it will shine the light for many women to follow.

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Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu;

Hon. Lynda represents Onitsha North-South federal constituency. She is known to be a goal-getter. Hon. Lynda is many things, an entrepreneur, a sports lover, a former beauty queen. She has attracted many projects to her constituency. She is greatly admired by many who know her.

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These four women will be shaping narratives for many women from the eastern region. We look forward to seeing them use their positions to create more room for more women in politics, encourage education and STEM among the youth, tackling the issues of child labour and child abuse which is becoming rampant and other issues as it concerns the east of the Niger.

We hope that their light will be bright enough for other women to follow.
All the best to the stars from the East.