Women Deserve Full Political Inclusion, Not Special Seats — Diri

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has called for the full integration of women into Nigeria’s political system, arguing that they should compete and emerge on merit rather than rely on special legislative seats.

Diri made the remarks on Tuesday at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Women Conference held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where he urged women across the Niger Delta to demand equal political space and resist being treated as second-class citizens.

According to the governor, while the proposal for special seats for women in the National Assembly may serve as a temporary measure, it does not address the deeper structural challenges limiting women’s political participation in Nigeria.

“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’s participation in politics,” Diri said.

“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 largely disagree with the idea. I do not want our women to be treated as second-class citizens.”

Drawing comparisons with advanced democracies, Diri noted that countries like the United Kingdom and the United States do not reserve special parliamentary seats for women, yet women actively participate and hold top political offices.

“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,” he stated.

He emphasised that Nigerian women possess the intellectual capacity and professional competence to thrive in politics without special concessions, citing the presence of female professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers across the Niger Delta region.

“Our women are very intelligent and active in politics and various professions. So why are we asking for special considerations for them? 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,” he added.

The governor also referenced his administration’s efforts to promote female inclusion in governance in Bayelsa, particularly within the state executive council and the House of Assembly.

“In Bayelsa, I have consciously tried to bring more women into governance. In 2023, I thought we would have about five women in the Assembly, but after the elections, only two succeeded,” Diri said, acknowledging the challenges women face during elections.

He encouraged women to remain united and persistent, noting that internal divisions sometimes hinder progress.

“My dear women of the Niger Delta, I will always support and encourage you as governor of this state,” he assured.

Earlier in her address, the National Women Leader of PANDEF, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, stressed the importance of education, skills acquisition, and exposure in enhancing women’s political participation.

She urged women not to remain passive observers in governance but to contribute meaningfully to regional and national development.

“As women, wherever you are, you should participate and contribute intelligently, constructively and positively for the development of this region,” Ekong said.

She further highlighted the need for infrastructure, environmental protection, and equitable political representation in the Niger Delta, noting that despite the region’s contribution to Nigeria’s wealth, women from the area remain underrepresented in national politics.

The conference was attended by prominent dignitaries, including former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, PANDEF National Chairman Dr. Boladei Igali, and representatives of various women groups across the Niger Delta.