- * Holds Civic Engagement March 19
- Senators Ayu, Anyanwu, Anyim, Ekweremadu, Others To Speak At The Event
By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief) @CeleOkaf11
A US-registered not-for-profit organization, Diasporans for PDP, has decried the rejection of the Diaspora Voting Rights bill by the lawmakers of the Nigerian National Assembly.
In a press statement through the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Chidi Igwe, Diasporans for PDP described the rejection of this bill as "short-sighted, backward, and irresponsible" on the part of the lawmakers.
Recall that the Diaspora Voting Rights bill was presented as part of the on-going Constitution Amendment Review. It seeks to amend the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and grant the right to vote to Nigerians in diaspora. The bill failed to pass with 92 votes out of which 29 lawmakers voted in favour, 62 voted against and one person abstained.
“Nigerians in diaspora continue to pour in billions of dollars into the Nigerian economy every year without being appreciated. Yet, the politicians decided not to pass the Voting Rights bill. Every Nigerian citizen should have the right to vote in a general election, no matter where they live. Nigeria should learn from other democracies such as the United States and Canada,” says the Diasporans for PDP founder and national chairman, Honourable Victoria Pamugo.
In the same manner, the lawmakers also voted down another bill that was designed to make the Nigerian polity more diverse and inclusive by allowing 35 per cent affirmative action in political parties.
“Nigerians in diaspora are heartbroken because the elected officials have once again failed their constituents. It is so sad that in this 21st century, Nigerian women are still treated with so much disrespect,” says Honourable Pamugo.
He reminded the Legislators that they are in Abuja to serve the Nigerian people and to protect the interests of their constituents irrespective of their own personal thoughts, views, opinions, or impressions.
She lamented that Nigerian women and issues concerning them have been steadily and continuously maligned and relegated to the background.
“The failure to pass these bills is only a motivation for many of us who are working hard on these issues. With our commitment, diligence, service, dedication, honesty, consistency, transparency and a complete change of mindset, these bills will pass in the future,” she assured.
Honourable Pamugo invited Nigerians at home and abroad to attend the March 19th, 2022 Civic Engagement Series. Under the theme, Diaspora Voting Rights, Participation, Diversity and Inclusion, the March 19th, 2022 event will feature various speakers on various economic, political and social issues that help to advance public awareness of the position of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on key issues affecting all Nigerian peoples.
In addition to those who will be able to join the virtual event, anybody can watch the live streaming of the event through the organization’s website.
National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, will be the keynote speaker, while other speakers and panelists include Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP National Secretary) Professor Stella Effah-Attoe, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Hon. Susan Nguveren Waya and Hon. Subrinah Joy Dolischka.
Others are Senator Emma Nwaka, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Hon. Umar Bature, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Hon. Mohammed Kadede Suleiman, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, and Hon. Mrs. Victoria Pamugo. NNL.
