Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a bill to amend Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution, introducing six new seats exclusively for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs). </h2>

The bill, known as the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024,” aims to enhance representation for underrepresented groups in Nigeria’s legislative body.

Sponsored by Akintunde Rotimi (Ekiti-APC), <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/bill-proposing-new-state-passes-second-reading-in-house-of-reps/5nskfp1">the bill was presented for its first reading</a> on Wednesday, October 30, and seeks to expand the total number of House seats from 360 to 366.

"The inclusion of these special seats will ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard at the national level, creating a more balanced and inclusive legislative framework for Nigeria,” Rotimi said.

Under the proposal, these six seats would be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with one seat for women and one for PWDs in each zone.

Rotimi explained that candidates for these positions must meet the same qualifications required of other House members, ensuring equity in selection.

<h3>Introduction of electoral college system</h3>

The bill also introduces an <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/reps-urge-inec-to-move-local-government-offices-to-secure-areas/3e1xt4f">electoral college system </a>for these roles, comprising members from national associations representing each group, alongside grassroots and regional inputs in a multi-tiered process.

Elected members would serve the same four-year term and receive benefits like other representatives.

Rotimi believes this step is vital for overcoming the obstacles that women and individuals with disabilities face in the political sphere.

He hopes this measure will foster a more inclusive Nigeria by giving previously marginalised voices a platform in the nation’s decision-making process.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a bill to amend Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution, introducing six new seats exclusively for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).

Reps seek to expand membership from 360 to 366

<h2>Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).</h2>

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, confirmed the announcement by reading Gumi's letter on the House floor during Wednesday's plenary.

Gumi attributed his departure to ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, undermining his ability to serve his constituents effectively.

He explained that the instability had left his constituency without a reliable party structure, impacting governance.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/damagum-misses-out-as-pdp-governors-target-north-central-for-new-chairman/cpl24fs">Damagum out as PDP governors focus on new chairman from North-Central</a>

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/apc-suspends-ex-osun-governor-aregbesola-details-emerge/0x5d61c">BREAKING: APC suspends ex-Osun governor, Aregbesola, details emerge</a>

"The PDP has two chairmen in my constituency," Gumi stated, adding, "One was unconstitutionally removed, while the other decamped with me. This has left the party without structure in my constituency."

Gumi elaborated that the lack of cohesion within the PDP has hindered his capacity to deliver democratic dividends, pushing him to align with the APC.

This defection comes as part of a larger trend of political shifts within Nigeria, as party conflicts and realignments shape the country's political landscape.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gummi, a member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, Zamfara State, has decamped from the PDP to the APC. <a href="https://t.co/Ye98ZN39c9">pic.twitter.com/Ye98ZN39c9</a>&mdash; Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imranmuhdz/status/1851577798692945949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

[VIDEO] House Of Reps member dumps PDP for APC

<h2>The House of Representatives has called for restraint as the Nigeria Police begin investigating an alleged assault incident involving Representative Alex Ikwechegh and Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya. </h2>

The House, expressing its commitment to upholding high ethical standards, urged Nigerians to allow the police to conduct a fair investigation without public interference.

House spokesperson Akin Rotimi issued a statement expressing concerns over the incident, which reportedly involved physical confrontation and threats from Ikwechegh.

"The House of Representatives is monitoring media reports concerning an alleged incident involving Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia)," Rotimi said.

He highlighted the Assembly's commitment to accountability, noting, "As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability."

The alleged confrontation, which has attracted significant media and public attention, reportedly <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/video-outrage-as-nigerian-lawmaker-allegedly-assaults-bolt-driver-in-abuja/gmetdjq">involved Ikwechegh using threatening language towards Abuwatseya. </a>This situation has raised questions about public officials' conduct and sparked broader discussions about accountability within the House.

Rotimi reassured the public that the House intends to handle the matter seriously if the allegations prove valid.

He stated, "Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness."

The House spokesperson concluded by appealing to Nigerians to let t<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/abia-lawmaker-detained-by-police-for-alleged-assault-on-bolt-driver/8z03nl8">he investigation proceed without obstruction.</a>

The police have detained Ikwechegh as part of their inquiries, and the House pledged to monitor developments closely.

L-R: Hon. Alex Ikwechegh and Members of the House of Representatives. [Facebook]

The House of Representatives has called for restraint as the Nigeria Police begin investigating an alleged assault incident involving Representative Alex Ikwechegh and Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya.

Reps break silence over lawmaker’s alleged assault on Bolt driver

<h2>The House of Representatives has reignited its commitment to pass the Independent Candidacy Bill, setting the stage for its possible implementation in the 2027 general elections. </h2>

A new website has also been launched to facilitate public engagement and address misconceptions surrounding the bill.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the House spokesperson and the bill's sponsor, Hon. Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekiti), highlighted its potential to expand the political landscape.

"This bill seeks to deepen political involvement and give more Nigerians the opportunity to run for office without relying on political parties," Rotimi explained.

The bill aims to reshape Nigeria's electoral process, ensuring citizens who wish to run for office are no longer solely dependent on political parties.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/bill-proposing-new-state-passes-second-reading-in-house-of-reps/5nskfp1">BREAKING: Bill proposing new state passes second reading in House of Reps</a>

Rotimi stressed the significance of this reform as Nigeria moves towards its eighth electoral cycle since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

"As we approach the next elections, it is important to improve. The Independent Candidacy Bill is one such reform," he added.

The website provides detailed clarifications, aiming to clear misconceptions about the bill's technical aspects.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/heres-how-much-house-of-rep-lawmakers-earn-monthly/x463sby">How much do House of Rep lawmakers earn as salary? Details emerge</a>

Rotimi pointed out that much of the opposition to the bill stems from misunderstandings, which the platform aims to address.

Despite facing challenges since its introduction in the 7th Assembly, the bill has been recommitted to the Committee on Constitutional Review.

"This is a constitutional amendment bill, and it requires substantial input from stakeholders. We've conducted extensive advocacy, and the feedback so far has been positive," Rotimi said.

Reps move to ban gas flaring, promote gas use, and enforce penalties

The House of Representatives has reignited its commitment to pass the Independent Candidacy Bill, setting the stage for its possible implementation in the 2027 general elections.

Reps pushes for independent candidacy in 2027 elections

<h2>The House of Representatives took a major step towards state expansion on Thursday, October 17, as a bill proposing the creation of Ogoja State passed its second reading. </h2>

The bill, spearheaded by lawmaker Godwin Offiono alongside three co-sponsors, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution, potentially adding a seventh state to Nigeria's South-South region.

Presenting the bill to his colleagues, Offiono highlighted its focus on fairness and regional balance, stating, "The essence of this bill is rested on equity."

According to Offiono, Ogoja State's creation would address calls for fair representation within the South-South, a region where residents have long advocated for enhanced local governance.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/reps-move-to-establish-new-state-in-southeast/m1lgts2">House of Reps proposes creation of additional state in Southeast</a>

The bill's second reading proceeded without objection from any lawmakers, signalling widespread support across party lines.

Following the session, the proposal was assigned to the House Committee on Constitution Review, which will assess the amendment's viability before it returns for further legislative review.

For many in the South-South, this development represents a significant step toward regional equity.

The proposal's momentum could lead to broader support as the House approaches a potential landmark decision on state creation.

The House of Representatives took a major step towards state expansion on Thursday, October 17, as a bill proposing the creation of Ogoja State passed its second reading.

BREAKING: Bill proposing new state passes second reading in House of Reps

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