Stop Treating Women as Second-Class Citizens – Bayelsa Governor

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has called for the full inclusion of women in Nigeria’s political space, arguing that they deserve equal participation rather than special seats in the National Assembly.

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Women Conference held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Diri said that while the agitation for reserved legislative seats for women may serve as a temporary measure, it ultimately risks reinforcing the perception of women as second-class citizens.

“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,” he said.

According to him, although the Deputy High Commissioner supported the idea of special seats for women, he only agreed in part.

“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,” Diri stated.

The governor noted that countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States do not operate special parliamentary seats for women, yet women actively participate and hold key 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 beingunderprivilegedd there. We can do it in Nigeria,” he added.

Diri emphasized that Nigerian women have demonstrated competence across professions, including law, medicine, engineering, and academia, and should demand full political freedom rather than concessions.

“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?” he queried.

He further identified what he described as a “structural deficiency” in Nigeria’s political framework, urging reforms that would create equal opportunities for women.

The governor also recounted his efforts to integrate more women into governance in Bayelsa State, including appointments into the state executive council and support for female candidates during elections.

“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,” he said, while encouraging women in the Niger Delta to remain united and persistent in their political aspirations.

Earlier, the PANDEF National Women Leader, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong charged women to equip themselves with education, skills, and experience to effectively participate in politics.

She urged them to contribute meaningfully to regional development and advocate for infrastructure, environmental protection, and greater political representation for women in the Niger Delta.

The conference was attended by former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, Rivers State Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, among other dignitaries and women groups from across the Niger Delta.