The Delta State House of Assembly has expressed support for the campaign to create special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.The position was made known when the Delta State Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) visited the Assembly in Asaba to advocate greater female participation in politics and governance.
The delegation, led by the organisation’s State Vice Chairperson, Princess Christina Uyoyou Ekokoruwe, on behalf of the State Chairperson, Hon. Chief Mrs. Faith Majemite, also sought stronger collaboration with the legislature on gender-responsive laws, legislative capacity building and democratic governance.
Ekokoruwe described NILOWV as a non-partisan, non-religious, non-tribal and non-profit grassroots civic organisation focused on advancing the political and economic empowerment of Nigerian women.
She said the organisation engages in civic education, political inclusion, economic empowerment and advocacy against violence targeting women in politics, while also supporting vulnerable women and girls.
According to her, Nigerian women have continued to make significant contributions to business, professional practice, community development and political mobilisation, yet their representation in legislative institutions and other positions of authority remains limited.
The group therefore urged the Assembly to support the proposed Special Seats Bill for Women, which seeks to establish additional seats for women at both the federal and state levels.
“This Bill is not about competition; it is about complementarity, balance and harnessing the full potential of Delta State for development,” the League said.
The organisation argued that increased female representation in legislative institutions would provide more opportunities for women to participate directly in lawmaking, policy formulation and governance.
Responding on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, assured the delegation of the Assembly’s support.
Akpowowo said the Speaker, who was away on a state assignment, had previously participated in advocacy efforts at the national level concerning the proposed special seats for women.
“I have the privilege to represent Mr. Speaker,” he said, adding that the Speaker had directed him and other lawmakers to assure the League that “we are with you all the way.”
He said the Assembly supported increased political representation for women, stressing that women deserved equal opportunities to participate in governance.
“The answer you want to hear is that we will support the special seats for women,” Akpowowo stated.
He also emphasised that the proposed arrangement should not be viewed as a contest between men and women but as an opportunity to strengthen representation and broaden participation in governance.
Also speaking, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency, Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, commended the League’s presentation and expressed support for its position.
Anyafulu said she would adopt the League’s presentation while highlighting key provisions of the proposal for reserved seats for women.
She explained that the proposal provides for additional representation of women across the six geopolitical zones, as well as additional seats at the state and federal levels.
According to her, the initiative is designed to increase the number of women participating directly in legislative processes and decision-making.
The lawmaker further pointed to the contributions of female legislators in the Delta State House of Assembly as evidence of the role women can play in shaping legislation and governance.
