CATYCOI urges N/Assembly to fast-track voting on key constitutional reform bills

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka

The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI), a youth-led organization, has called on the Nigerian National Assembly to expedite the voting process on four critical constitutional reform bills.

CATYCOI Executive Director, Comrade Nonso Orakwe, in a statement, said Nigeria’s youth, who make up over 60 percent of the population, are eager for reforms driving development and inclusive governance of the country.

The four bills, which have been pending before the National Assembly, seek to address key issues, including gender equality, independent candidacy, electoral integrity, and expedited hearing of election petitions.

The first bill, A Bill For An Act To Alter The Provisions Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 1999 To Provide Special Seats For Women In The National Assembly And State Houses Of Assembly, aims to increase women’s representation in the National Assembly, which currently stands at below 10%.

Orakwe said, “This bill is crucial for promoting gender equality and ensuring that women’s voices are heard in the country’s decision-making processes.

“Nigeria’s women, remain woefully underrepresented in decision-making bodies, with female participation in the National Assembly hovering below 10%.

“This bill proposes dedicated seats to amplify women’s voices, fostering policies that tackle issues like maternal health, education equity, and economic empowerment. 

“Delaying its passage perpetuates systemic exclusion and denies our society the full spectrum of talent and perspectives needed for holistic development.”

Orakwe said the second bill, a Bill For An Act To Alter The Provisions Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 1999 To Provide For Independent Candidacy In Elections, would democratize access to elective offices and encourage independent candidates.

“Our current party-dominated system stifles innovation and diversity in leadership, often sidelining visionary individuals who do not align with entrenched political machines. 

“By allowing independent candidates, this bill would democratize access to elective offices, encouraging fresh ideas from entrepreneurs, activists, and community leaders—many of whom arell young Nigerians eager to drive change.

“Expediting its voting would break the monopoly of political parties, reduce corruption in candidate selection, and invigorate our democracy with merit-based competition.”

He said the third bill, A Bill For An Act To Alter The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 To Establish And Empower The Electoral Offences Commission, aims to establish an independent commission to investigate and prosecute electoral offences, addressing the issue of electoral malpractices that have eroded public trust in the electoral system.

He also stated that the fourth bill, A Bill For An Act To Alter The Provisions Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 1999, To Ensure Expedited Hearing And Determination Of Petitions Challenging The Election Of Any Person To An Office Created Under The Constitution, would streamline judicial processes and ensure that election disputes are resolved quickly and efficiently.

He called on all Nigerians, particularly the youth, to engage with their representatives and demand action on the critical bills. He also urged lawmakers to prioritize the bills and schedule immediate debates and votes.

“We believe that these bills collectively represent a blueprint for a more inclusive, accountable, and youth-centric Nigeria. We urge Nigerians to join us in calling on the National Assembly to act on these reforms and propel Nigeria toward a brighter future,” he stated.