The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called for the full inclusion of women in politics instead of creating special seats for them in the National Assembly.
Diri made this statement during the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Women Conference held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
He encouraged women in the Niger Delta to demand the freedom to fully participate in politics, stressing that they should not be treated as second-class citizens.
According to him, although the idea of special seats for women in the National Assembly could serve as a temporary solution, it should not be the long-term approach.
“I was told that the British High Commission is one of the major sponsors of this programme. When the Deputy High Commissioner visited Bayelsa last week, we discussed women’s participation in politics. She supports the idea of special seats for women in the National Assembly. I partly agree that it could be a temporary solution, but I do not fully support it because I do not want our women to be treated as second-class citizens,” he said.
Diri noted that in countries like Britain and the United States, women do not have special seats in parliament but still participate fully in politics.
“In those countries, the system allows women to participate freely in politics. Nobody talks about special seats or treats women as underprivileged. Nigeria can do the same. Our women are intelligent and active in politics and other professions. We have women who are professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers, even in the Niger Delta. Women should demand their freedom and refuse to accept being treated as second-class citizens,” he said.
The governor also said his administration has made efforts to include more women in governance in Bayelsa State.
“In this state, I have deliberately tried to bring more women into government, both in the executive and in the House of Assembly. In 2023, we hoped to have about five women in the Assembly, but only two were elected. I understand the challenges women face, and sometimes the problem is even women competing against other women. However, I will always support and encourage women in this state,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the PANDEF National Women Leader, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, said women need education, skills, experience, and exposure to participate actively in politics.
She encouraged women not to remain passive but to contribute positively to the development of society.
“As women, wherever you are, you should participate and contribute positively to the development of our region. Education is important, and we must also encourage our children to be educated so they can take part in leadership and political positions in the future. Our region needs infrastructure, development, environmental protection, and better connections. The Niger Delta provides much of the country’s wealth, yet only a few women from the region are involved in national politics,” she said.
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including former First Lady of Nigeria Dr. Patience Jonathan, Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, PANDEF National Chairman Dr. Boladei Igali, and women groups from across the Niger Delta.
