Members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly on Tuesday struck out a bill seeking to place a man and woman on equal level in marriage as well in the family setting.
The document tagged Gender Equality Bill was not passed by majority of the senior lawmakers.
Senators Rufai Ahmed, Adamu Aliero and Emmanuel Bwacha, who spoke against the bill, pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution was clear enough on the rights of a man and woman. They argued that there was no need coming up with such bill.
However, Senators Biodun Christine Olujimi, Bala Na’Allah, Ike Ekweremadu, Ali Ndume, Raji-Rasaki and Garba, who supported the bill, said the issue of discrimination against women needed to be addressed, even though it is a worldwide issue.
When put up for vote, the bill could not scale through.
The Gender Equality Bill aims at eliminating discrimination against women. It was also aimed at promoting equality, development and advancement of all persons in Nigeria as well as promoting women’s freedom of movement, female economic activity and girls’ access to education.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have kicked against the decision of the Senate not to pass the bill.
