Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has pushed for women’s full participation in politics as opposed to tokenistic campaigning for special seats in the National Assembly.
During the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women’s summit in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Tuesday, Senator Diri made this statement.
Additionally, the governor of Bayelsa called on women throughout the region to demand complete freedom to engage in politics since they shouldn’t be treated like second-class citizens.
He stated: “I was informed that this program is heavily sponsored by the British High Commission. Last week, I had the chance to meet with the Deputy High Commissioner during her visit to Bayelsa, and we talked about women’s involvement in politics.
She thinks the campaign for women’s seats in the National Assembly is worthwhile. I mostly disagree with the approach, even though I partially agreed with her as a short-term fix. I’m trying to say that I don’t want women to be treated as second-class citizens.
Unlike in America, women in Britain do not have specific seats in parliament. They are acknowledged by the system and actively engage in politics. Women’s underprivileged status and special seats are not discussed. In Nigeria, it is possible.
“Our ladies are highly intelligent and involved in politics. Additionally, they work in a variety of occupations. So why do we want to give them extra consideration?
Globally, women participate in politics and hold positions like presidents, governors, and members of parliament. Nigeria ought to be no different. Our framework is flawed. Nigeria is lacking in certain structural areas.
Even in the Niger Delta, women work as professors, doctors, engineers, and attorneys. My 26-year-old daughter received her Ph.D. in law, and I recently celebrated. Women should demand their independence, and I urge you to resist being treated like second-class citizens in this nation.
Governor Diri described attempts to increase the number of women involved in state politics.
“I have made a deliberate effort to increase the number of women in Bayelsa’s government, either in the House of Assembly or the state executive. I had anticipated having roughly five women in the parliament in 2023, but only two of them were elected.
I am glad that you are coming together because I understand what you are going through. Sometimes, women against women is the issue. As the governor of this state, I would constantly promote and support the women of the Niger Delta.
Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, the PANDEF National Women Leader, stated earlier that for women to actively engage in politics, they need exposure, education, experience, and abilities.
She urged people to take action since they had important roles to play in the advancement of society.
“You should contribute wherever you are as women. Contribute intellectually, constructively, and favorably to the growth of this area. In order for your children to be assigned to political posts and participate in the events occurring in this country and our region, educate yourself and encourage them to do the same.
“Our area requires development and infrastructure. To ensure that future generations have a place to live and work, we must safeguard our environment and maintain connectivity.
“How many women from the Niger Delta region are involved in this country’s politics, and this region provides the nation’s wealth?”
Dr. Patience Jonathan, the former first lady of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor of Rivers State, Dr. Boladei Igali, the national chairman of PANDEF, and a number of women’s organizations from throughout the Niger Delta attended the event.
