TRUST DIALOGUE: When trusted with real authority, women deliver results – Ukeje

Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ekeje, former lawmaker and co-panelist at the 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue, has said women deliver results when they are trusted with authority.

Speaking at the annual event which held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, Ekeje said the country’s democracy had failed to create a political environment where women participate meaningfully in decision-making.

She warned that persistent gender inequality and a weak, high-turnover legislature were undermining Nigeria’s democratic progress.

“Nigeria has a historically low representation of women in political office, generally under 6%. Fifteen out of 36 states operate legislatures with zero female representation,” she said.

Ekeje, who represented Bende Federal Consistency of Abia State at the House of Reps, emphasized that excluding women is not just a gender issue but governance failure.

She cited evidence showing that societies with more women in leadership experience stronger social outcomes, higher community trust, and more sustainable development.

The former lawmaker highlighted the achievements of former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who led Nigeria to an $18 billion debt relief deal with the Paris Club in 2005, freeing billions for social infrastructure.

“This was not a symbolic inclusion. It was a measurable national gain. When trusted with real authority, women deliver results that impact every home,” she said.

Ekeje criticized the National Assembly for systemic weaknesses, including high legislator turnover and limited institutional memory.

She said these factors have hindered the legislature’s ability to check executive overreach.

“The legislature is the bastion of our democracy. Its duty is to mitigate the concentration of power in one person. When performed optimally, it ensures accountability and citizen participation,” she said.

She called for the passage of the Special Seats Bill, which would guarantee increased female representation in government, describing it as a historic opportunity for the National Assembly to leave a lasting mark.

Ekeje also highlighted challenges within the judiciary, noting a 79% public distrust due to perceived political influence and inefficiency.

She urged judges to remain impartial and resist interference from politicians.

“Judges must never dance to the music played by politicians. Their independence is critical for a thriving democracy,” she said.

On broader governance, Ekeje warned against rising populism and sycophantic loyalty to individuals rather than institutions.

She called on Nigerians to shift focus from elections to governance.

“All stakeholders, the elected, citizens, media, civil society, and political parties, must recommit to personal, institutional, and systemic reforms,” she said.

She submitted that embracing Nigeria’s diversity and strengthening security, governance, inclusiveness, and accountability are non-negotiable for national prosperity.

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