The Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, recently attended the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Women Conference in Yenagoa, where he strongly advocated for the full inclusion of women in politics rather than what he described as tokenistic agitation for special seats in the National Assembly and other elective positions.
Governor Diri urged women across the Niger Delta to be proactive and demand total emancipation to enable them participate fully in politics, stressing that they do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.
He noted that while the idea of special seats for women could serve as a temporary solution, it should not become a permanent structure that reinforces inequality.
“I was informed that the British High Commission is a major sponsor of this programme. I had the opportunity of meeting with the Deputy High Commissioner when she visited Bayelsa, and we discussed women participation in politics.
“She believes that the agitation for special seats in the National Assembly is good. While I agreed with her in part as a temporary solution, I largely disagree with the idea. I do not want our women to be treated as second-class citizens.
“The women in Britain do not have special seats in parliament, just as in America. The system recognises them and they participate fully in politics. Nobody talks about special seats or women being under-privileged there. We can do it in Nigeria.”
The Governor emphasised that Nigerian women are intelligent, capable, and active across various professions, questioning the need for special considerations.
“Our women are very intelligent and active in politics and various professions. So why are we asking for special considerations? Women across the world become members of parliament, governors, and presidents. Nigeria should not be an exception. Our structure is wrong. There is a structural deficiency in Nigeria.
“Here we have women who are professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers, even in the Niger Delta. I recently celebrated my daughter at 26 with a Ph.D. in Law. Women should ask for their freedom and not accept second-class treatment in this country.”
Governor Diri also recounted efforts made in Bayelsa State to integrate more women into governance.
“In Bayelsa, I have consciously tried to bring more women into governance, either in the State Executive Council or the House of Assembly. In 2023, I thought we would have about five women in the Assembly, but after the election, only two succeeded.
“So, I understand the challenges you face, and I am happy that you are coming together. Sometimes, the problem is even women versus women. My dear women of the Niger Delta, I will always support and encourage you as Governor of this state.”
Earlier in her remarks, the PANDEF National Women Leader, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, stressed that women require education, skills, experience, and exposure to participate actively in politics. She urged women not to be passive but to contribute meaningfully to societal development.
“As women, wherever you are, contribute intelligently, constructively, and positively to the development of this region. Be educated and encourage your children to be educated so they can be appointed into political positions and be part of what is happening in this country and our region.
“Our region needs infrastructure and development. We need connectivity and environmental protection so future generations will have a place to live and work. This region provides the wealth of this country, yet how many women from the Niger Delta are part of the politics of this nation?”
The event was attended by former First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Patience Jonathan; Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu; PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali; and several women groups from across the Niger Delta.
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