Senate says nah to a bill proposing introduction of skirts for female NYSC members

Recall that time a female corp member was caught on camera wearing skirts because she felt her religion was against it? That’s one of the kinds belief that the bill was seeking to address so that a female corp member who so wishes can wear skirts without fear of being penalised.

Reporting on the proceedings on the Senate floor, the Punch revealed that Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba-South) sponsored the bill and on the second at the plenary on Wednesday, said the bill seeks to amend Sections 13 and 16 of the principal act.

He said the amendment was to “increase the penalty for the offences contained in the Act to make such fines reflect the present value of the naira.”

He also said the amendment was intended to “ensure that regulations made by the NYSC directorate prescribing uniforms and exercise regimen do not violate the religious practices and beliefs of corps members.”

However, the bill did not scale through past the second reading owing to the technicalities involved in changing any section of the Nigerian Constitution and reservations expressed by some Senators on mixing religion with state affairs.

According to Punch, the Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, asked why religious sentiments should be introduced to the dress code of the scheme

Senator Sam Egwu reportedly says: “We should not waste our time on an issue that we have no constitutional right to amend. This is a paramilitary organisation and that is why drilling and exercise are contained. We have major issues to discuss. If we want to talk about NYSC, it is not uniform; that is a minute issue that we should not waste our energy on.”

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, says: “I am not trying to stop the bill. Even if you pass the bill, you must send it to all the states in accordance with Section 9(2).”

The bill was subsequently rejected after its second reading was put to a voice vote.

For more on the story, visit the Punch website.