Women deserve inclusion in politics, not special seats – Diri

By Femi Folaranmi

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.

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

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

His words: “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.

‎‎”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 underprivileged 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 who are professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers, even in the Niger Delta. I just celebrated my daughter’s 26th birthday with a Ph.D in law. Women should ask for their freedom, and I encourage you not to accept second-class citizen 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.

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.

‎The event had in attendance 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.