By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
South-South women leaders have thrown their weight behind the Reserved Seats Bill, a landmark legislation aimed at increasing female representation in Nigeria’s governance structures.
The bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution, proposes reserving seats exclusively for women in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
Speaking, South-South Coordinator of the Reserved Seats for Women bill Campaign, Ebi timi Alaibe Elezieanya on Monday who is the Daughter of a political stalwart and former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chairman, Chief Timi Alaibe, said the proposed legislation will without a doubt guarantee more opportunities for women in political leadership, policymaking, and national development.
Alaibe Elezieanya emphasized that Nigerian women are neither powerless nor passive, but are deliberately excluded from spaces where decisions shaping the country are made.
Alaibe Elezieanya, who stands out as a foremost voice in championing women’s inclusion, pointed out that consultations across South-South states revealed overwhelming support for the bill, with women at the grassroots level recognizing its potential to deliver economic empowerment, stronger education systems, improved healthcare, and more accountable governance.
The South-South coordinator noted that the bill is a critical response to gender imbalance in governance and a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“Women are ready to lead, not as competitors with men, but as partners in progress. The Reserved Seats Bill is not just about representation, it is about transforming governance to reflect the realities and aspirations of half of Nigeria’s population,” she said.
She urged lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly to make history by passing the bill, which has previously failed in the 8th and 9th Assemblies.
“We are pleading with our fathers and uncles in parliament to hear the cry of Nigerian women. This is a defining moment. Nigeria must get it right,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, further reflecting on recent zonal public hearings, Elezieanya described the South-South women’s turnout as “enthusiastic and united.” She noted that commissioners, councillors, and civil society groups across the south south are strongly in support and have thrown their weight behind the bill in full support.
Ebi Alaibe Elezieanya has become a prominent advocate in the region, mobilizing grassroots women, engaging lawmakers, and consistently amplifying the need for equitable representation.
Other prominent leaders, including Mrs. Susan Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil, and Barrister Ebi Ogionwo of the NCWS, echoed her views, stressing that the bill is critical to dismantling barriers that have long sidelined women from politics.
They urged lawmakers to demonstrate courage as the decisive vote in October approaches, insisting that passing the bill would strengthen democracy, honor Nigeria’s international commitments, and secure women’s place at the decision-making table.
