Yenagoa – Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, has advised women to focus on achieving full inclusion in politics rather than agitating for special seats in the National Assembly. This admonition was delivered on Tuesday during the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women’s conference held in Yenagoa, the state capital, and was communicated through a press statement signed by Dan Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the governor.
Governor Diri encouraged women across the Niger Delta region to demand complete freedom to participate in politics, asserting that they should not be treated as second-class citizens. He recounted a recent discussion with the British Deputy High Commissioner, a co-sponsor of the program, where the idea of special seats for women in the National Assembly was raised.
“She believes that the agitation for special seats for women in the National Assembly is good. While I agreed with her, in part, as a temporary solution, I however largely disagree with the idea. My point is, I do not want our women to be treated as second-class citizens,” Governor Diri stated. He drew parallels with women in Britain and America, who achieve political positions without special considerations.
Diri emphasized the intelligence and activeness of Nigerian women in politics and various professions. He questioned the need for special considerations, stating, “Women across the world participate and become members of parliament, governors and presidents. Nigeria should not be an exception. Our structure is wrong. There is a structural deficiency in Nigeria.” He highlighted the presence of accomplished women, including professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers, in the Niger Delta, adding, “I just celebrated my daughter of 26 years with a Ph.D in law. Women should ask for their freedom and I encourage you not to accept the second-class citizens treatment in this country.”
The Governor also shared efforts made in Bayelsa State to integrate more women into governance, noting, “In Bayelsa, I have consciously tried to bring in more women into governance either in the state executive or the House of Assembly. In 2023, I thought we would have about five women in the assembly but when we went for the election, only two succeeded.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by women in politics, remarking, “So, I know what you are facing and I am happy that you are coming together. Sometime, the problem is even women versus women. My dear women of Niger Delta, I will always support you and encourage you as governor of this state.”
Earlier at the event, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, the PANDEF National Women Leader, stressed the importance of education, skills, experience, and exposure for women to actively participate in politics. She urged women to be proactive and contribute intelligently, constructively, and positively to societal development. “As women, wherever you are, you should contribute. Participate and contribute intelligently, constructively and positively for the development of this region. Be educated and encourage your children to be educated so that they can be appointed into political positions and be part of what is going on in this country and our region,” Ekong said. She highlighted the region’s needs, including infrastructure, development, connectivity, and environmental protection, and questioned the limited representation of Niger Delta women in national politics despite the region’s wealth contribution.
The conference was attended by prominent figures including former First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Patience Jonathan, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, and various women’s groups from across the Niger Delta.
