Nigerian women deserve full political participation, not just special seats - Diri

Nigerian women deserve full political participation, not just special seats - Diri

 Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa state, has called on women
across Nigeria to seek full participation in politics instead of relying on
specially reserved legislative seats. 

Diri spoke on Wednesday at the Pan Niger Delta Forum
(PANDEF) women’s conference in Yenagoa, arguing that women should earn
political positions through mainstream participation, rather than be
accommodated through separate quotas.

 

Nigeria’s Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB1349) — currently
before the national assembly — proposes adding a significant number of new
legislative seats to be contested exclusively by women in both the national and
state houses of assemblies as a temporary measure to boost female political
representation.

 

If passed, it would create one additional seat for women per
senatorial district and federal constituency, potentially adding 182 new woman‑only
seats to legislatures nationwide.

 

 

However, Diri said while he supports the idea, fighting for
separate seats risks branding women as second‑class participants in Nigeria’s political system.

 

The governor argued that women should be recognised for
their abilities rather than accommodated through quotas.

 

“I was told that the British High Commission is a major
sponsor of this programme. I met with the Deputy High Commissioner last week,
and we discussed women participation in politics. She believes the agitation
for special seats is good. While I agreed with her in part, as a temporary
solution, I largely disagree,” Diri said.

 

 

“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. Nobody talks about women being underprivileged there. We can
do it in Nigeria.

 

“So, why are we asking for special considerations for them?”

 

He highlighted the accomplishments of qualified women across
professions, including his own daughter who he said earned a PhD in law at age
26, to underline his belief that Nigerian women are capable of competing
equally.

 

“Here we have women who are professors, doctors, engineers,
and lawyers. 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
second-class citizen treatment in this country,” he added.

 

“I know what you are facing, and I am happy that you are
coming together. Sometimes the problem is even women versus women. My dear
women of the Niger Delta, I will always support and encourage you as governor
of this state.”

 

Also speaking, Grace Ekong, PANDEF national women leader,
encouraged women to invest in education, skills, and experience to participate
meaningfully in politics.

 

She urged women to be proactive in societal development and
ensure future generations are empowered to take up leadership roles.

Source: Nigerian women deserve full political participation, not just special seats - Diri

 - NigerianEye
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