26/03/2026
WOMEN GROUPS RALLY IN BAYELSA, DEMAND PASSAGE OF SPECIAL SEATS BILL
A coalition of women groups and civil society organisations on Tuesday staged a peaceful rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, calling for the urgent passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill.
The groups, including the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Federation of Muslim Women's Associations in Nigeria and National Council of Women Societies, said the bill is critical to addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance.
The coalition submitted a petition to the lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Hon. Oboku Oforji, at his residence.
Representing the lawmaker, his aide, Humphrey Laguma,
the lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei Ebikebina repreented by his Aide Mr. Mike Makpah and lawmaker representing Sagbama/ Ekeremo Federal Constituency, received the petitions and assured the delegation that it would be given due consideration.
Chairperson of NAWOJ Bayelsa, Mrs. Grace Orumieyefa, commended the reception and expressed optimism that sustained advocacy would ensure speedy passage of the bill, describing it as key to inclusive governance.
Similarly, FIDA Chairperson, Dr. Boma Tonye-Miebai, said the rally was to strengthen engagement with lawmakers and push for urgent legislative action.
Also speaking, FOMWAN leader in Bayelsa, Disu Sarat, stressed that greater participation of women in politics is vital for balanced decision-making and national development.
The bill seeks to create additional legislative seats for women at national and state levels to bridge gender gaps in political representation.