Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, has issued a stirring call to Nigerian women to transcend the agitation for reserved legislative seats and instead demand full, mainstream integration into the nation’s political landscape.
Speaking at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Women’s Conference in Yenagoa an event supported by the British High Commission, Governor Diri cautioned that relying on partitioned quotas risks branding women as “second-class citizens.” His remarks coincide with the National Assembly’s deliberation on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB1349), which seeks to create 182 additional legislative seats exclusively for female candidates as a temporary corrective measure.
A Call for Unity and Preparedness
Representing the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Dr Gloria Diri, Professor Juliet Tabowei described the women of the Niger Delta as “born leaders.” She issued a clarion call for women to remain in a state of constant readiness to seize political opportunities as they arise. Emphasising that “unity is strength and unending power,” Dr Diri’s message urged women to eschew the “pull-her-down” syndrome, which often undermines collective progress. She further commended the Governor for his consistent support of women’s causes and called upon all levels of government to provide an enabling environment for female advancement.
Historical Context and Regional Support
Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF, expressed his profound gratitude to the British High Commission for sponsoring the conference, describing the initiative as a vital effort to “bring women out of the trenches.” Drawing on Nigeria’s political history, Dr Igali cited the legacy of icons such as Margaret Ekpo, who played pivotal roles in governance alongside Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. He noted that the Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, His Majesty King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and other regional leaders remained deeply appreciative of the high level of female participation.
International and Academic Perspectives
The British High Commission, represented by Dr Fortune Alfred, underscored its commitment to advancing female political aspirations, noting that under-representation remains a significant barrier to sustainable development.
The conference guest speaker, Professor Maureen Etebu, pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Maritime University, identified several systemic deficiencies including institutional weakness and societal stereotypes that hinder progress. She advocated for “incubative performance,” calling on veteran female politicians to mentor the younger generation.
High-Powered Advocacy
The event featured a notable address by former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, contributions from the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Odu and PANDEF National Woman leader Rev Mrs. Grace Ekong. Following a technical session involving luminaries such as Ann Kio Briggs, Mrs Maria Olodi Osuma, Chief Peculiar Johyere Braboke, Prof Anthony Etebe and Prof Felix Okolo, a communique was issued demanding a robust policy framework to ensure the actualisation of reserved seats alongside broader infrastructural reforms.
The conference was attended by an array of notable personalities, including High Chief Sara Igbe, Rt. Hon. Itam Abang, Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, and Dr Stella Dorgu, further underscoring the regional importance of the summit.
Governor Diri concluded by reaffirming his administration’s intent to consciously integrate more women into the Bayelsa State Executive Council, whilst acknowledging the structural deficiencies that continue to challenge the Nigerian polity.
Adding a diplomatic and historical perspective, Amb. Dr. Godknows Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF, commended the British High Commission for sponsoring the conference. He noted that the initiative is vital for “bringing women out of the trenches” and integrating them into the forefront of leadership. Dr. Igali drew parallels to historical icons like Margaret Ekpo, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s governance and political sustainability since the era of Nnamdi Azikiwe. He further conveyed the gratitude of King Alfred Diete Spiff, Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, and other regional leaders to the women for their active participation.
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