Women Deserve Inclusion In Politics, Not Special Seats – Gov Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has advocated for the full inclusion of women in politics rather than the tokenistic agitation for special seats in the National Assembly and state legislatures.

Diri stated this yesterday during the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women conference in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The governor also urged women in the region to demand total freedom to participate in politics because they do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.

He said, “I was told 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 last week, and we discussed women participation in politics.

“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.

“The women in Britain do not have special seats in parliament just as in America. The system flows and 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.

“Our women are very intelligent and are active in politics.

They are also very active in various professions. So, why are we asking for special considerations for them?

“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.

‎”Here we have women that are professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers even in the Niger Delta. 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. “

Governor Diri recounted efforts to get more women integrated in politics of the state.

“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.

‎ “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.”

Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, who also spoke at the conference, called for stronger unity among women and greater participation in political decision-making across party lines.

She said inclusion of women in governance should not be treated as a favour but must be backed by law to ensure continuity, regardless of which administration is in power.

She urged political parties to create internal quotas that would guarantee women a place at the decision-making table.

Jonathan also appealed to women in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria to support one another and rally behind initiatives that promote gender inclusion, stressing that development and peace go hand in hand.

“I also applaud the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her campaign for gender inclusion. I urge all women to rally behind her, regardless of party differences. She represents a vital voice for women. We must stand together to make progress.

“Inclusion should not be a favor. It must be constitutionalized so it cannot be taken away by a new administration. Political parties must implement mandatory quotas within their internal structures. If we are not part of the foundation, we cannot be part of the future.”

Earlier, the PANDEF National Women Leader, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, said women require education, skills, experience, and exposure to actively participate in politics.

She charged them not to be passive as they have significant roles to play in 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.

“Our region needs infrastructure and development. We need that connectivity and protection of our environment so future generation will have where to live and work.

‎ “This region provides the wealth of this country and how many women from the Niger Delta region are part of the politics of this country?“

The event had in attendance the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, and several women groups from across the Niger Delta.

‎