Bankole Backs Reserved Seats Bill, Urges Inclusion of PWDs

Bankole Backs Reserved Seats Bill, Urges Inclusion of PWDs

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, Hon. Tolu Bankole, has thrown his weight behind the proposed Reserved Seats Bill for Women in the National Assembly, while also calling for affirmative action to extend to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Bankole, in a statement issued on Sunday, described the bill as timely and reflective of the nation’s readiness, noting that women remain critical to Nigeria’s progress.

“Women are the engine room of development. No women, no nation. Nigerian women are not only beautiful but also smart, responsive, caring, responsible, competent, and reliable. Their managerial ingenuity is both distinguished and honourable,” he said.

He appealed to lawmakers at both state and national levels to ensure a speedy passage of the legislation and to make room for PWDs in the proposed framework.

“I respectfully urge our distinguished legislators to pass this all-important bill without delay and to extend the same treatment to Persons With Disabilities, who remain among the most vulnerable in our society,” he added.

The APC chieftain highlighted the pivotal role of women in governance and economic growth, insisting that their inclusion in leadership would enrich decision-making, drive innovation, and strengthen our democracy.

Bankole further stressed the importance of recognising the rights and potential of PWDs, describing affirmative action for them as not just an act of compassion but a national imperative to harness the skills and insights of millions of Nigerians who face systemic barriers.

Turning to the economy, the APC NWC member commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, saying recent indicators confirm that “Tinubunomics is working.”

According to him, Nigeria’s gross domestic product expanded by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025; its fastest in four years and above IMF projections. He added that inflation dropped to 20.12 percent in August, the lowest level in more than three years after five straight months of decline.

He also pointed to external reserves climbing to $42.03 billion in September, oil production rebounding to 1.68 million barrels per day, and the naira gaining 3 percent against the dollar, as evidence of the country’s economic recovery.

“These indicators show Nigeria is turning the corner. The country is ascending, and the future shines with promise. President Tinubu’s reforms are laying the foundation for sustained growth and shared prosperity,” Bankole stated.

As Nigeria prepares to mark its 65th Independence Anniversary, Bankole congratulated citizens on the nation’s progress, reiterating that the Reserved Seats Bill, with provisions for PWDs, is a crucial step toward equity, representation, and national renewal.