Former First Lady Patience Jonathan calls for legislation backing 35% affirmative action for women in governance.
At the Pan Niger Delta Forum women conference in Yenagoa, Mrs. Patience Jonathan addressed a key political issue.
She reacted strongly to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s recent submission.
Diri: No Special Treatment for Women in Politics
Governor Diri argued that women should not receive special treatment in politics.
Mrs. Jonathan used the platform to counter this view directly.
She called for legislative backing of the 35% affirmative action for women in governance, emphasizing its necessity.
Diri Outlines Stance on Women’s Political Participation
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri presented a clear stance on women’s political participation.
He advocated for their full, merit-based inclusion in politics.
Rather than pushing for special seats or quotas, Diri emphasized organic integration.
He believes women should compete equally without reserved positions.
This approach, he argued, fosters genuine equality and strengthens the political landscape for all.
He said, “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.”
”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.”
Diri: “Don’t Treat Women as Second-Class Citizens”
“My point is, I do not want our women to be treated as second-class citizens.”
“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 being under-privileged there. We can do it in Nigeria.
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?
“Women across the world participate and become members of parliament, governors and presidents.”
Nigeria should not be an exception. Our structure is wrong. There is a structural deficiency in Nigeria.
“Here we have women that are professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers even in the Niger Delta.”
I just celebrated my daughter of 26 years with a Ph.D in law.
Diri to Women: Demand Freedom, Reject Second-Class Status
Women should ask for their freedom and I encourage you not to accept the second-class citizens treatment in this country.
“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 and I am happy that you are coming together.
Sometime, the problem is even women versus women.
My dear women of Niger Delta, I will always support you and encourage you as governor of this state.”
Patience Jonathan Firmly Counters Diri, Demands Legislation
Mrs. Patience Jonathan firmly countered the governor’s position with conviction. She insisted on the urgent need for legislative action.
Special seats for women demand a solid legal backing, she argued. Without it, promises remain empty and ineffective.
This law would ensure real representation, empowering women in governance despite resistance.
Jonathan: Enact Special Seats Bill into Law Now
Any government can come into power tomorrow and stop the inclusion, we want it as a law, the Special Seats Bill is currently before the National Assembly”
“We are not practicing what develop countries are doing; the system they are advocating is working smoothly elsewhere, but in Nigerian it is not like that.
You have to seat in a roundtable discussion before you will be given anything.”
“If you go to Angola today, the 35 per cent is a given; you go to some other countries 35 percent is given.
What I have to say here is that women of Nigeria, irrespective of parties, must come together and put party aside and talk with one voice; that’s is the only way we can achieve this.”
“In various positions in the political parties, there should 35 per cent positions for women, because the party is the gate keeper to power and they must implement mandatory power for women in their internal structures, if we are not part of the foundation, we can’t be party of the future.”
