Governor Diri Advocates for Women's Full Political Inclusion

On Tuesday, during the PANDEF Women Conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri asserted that women deserve full inclusion in politics rather than special seats, which he views as a tokenistic approach. He addressed the need for women across the Niger Delta to demand equal participation and not be treated as second-class citizens.

Diri highlighted that women in other countries, such as Britain and the United States, do not have special seats in parliament, advocating instead for their full political engagement. He recounted efforts to integrate women into governance in Bayelsa, noting that only two out of five women elected to the state assembly succeeded in the last elections.

Diri's remarks were made in the presence of British High Commission representatives, emphasizing the importance of education and active participation for women in societal development. The event was attended by notable figures, including former First Lady Patience Jonathan and various women leaders from the Niger Delta.