Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI), a youth-led organisation, has urged the National Assembly to fast-track voting on four critical constitutional reform bills currently before the legislature.
In a statement, CATYCOI Executive Director, Comrade Nonso Orakwe, said Nigerian youths—who make up over 60 per cent of the population—are eager to see reforms that promote development and inclusive governance.
According to him, the bills address key national issues, including gender equality, independent candidacy, electoral integrity, and the speedy determination 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, seeks to boost women’s representation in the legislature, which currently stands at below 10 per cent.
Orakwe described the bill as crucial to promoting gender equality and ensuring women’s voices are adequately represented in decision-making processes.
“Nigeria’s women remain woefully underrepresented in governance, with female participation in the National Assembly hovering below 10 per cent,” he said.
“This bill proposes dedicated seats to amplify women’s voices and foster policies that address critical issues such as maternal health, education equity and economic empowerment. Delaying its passage perpetuates systemic exclusion and denies the nation the full spectrum of talent needed for holistic development.”
The CATYCOI boss 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 democratise access to elective offices.
“Our current party-dominated system stifles innovation and diversity in leadership, often sidelining visionary individuals who do not align with entrenched political structures,” he said.
“Allowing independent candidacy would encourage fresh ideas from entrepreneurs, activists and community leaders—many of whom are young Nigerians eager to drive change. Fast-tracking this bill would break the monopoly of political parties, reduce corruption in candidate selection and invigorate democracy through merit-based competition.”
Orakwe 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, is aimed at curbing electoral malpractices by creating an independent body to investigate and prosecute electoral offences.
He added that the fourth bill, which seeks to ensure the expedited hearing and determination of election petitions, would streamline judicial processes and restore public confidence in the electoral system by ensuring timely resolution of disputes.
Orakwe called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to engage their elected representatives and demand action on the bills, urging lawmakers to prioritise them by scheduling immediate debates and votes.
“These bills collectively represent a blueprint for a more inclusive, accountable and youth-centred Nigeria. We urge the National Assembly to act swiftly to advance these reforms and steer the country towards a brighter future,” he said.
