Bayelsa Women Demand Gov Dickson’s Rep Seat

Women, numbering about 100, marched through the streets of Yenagoa yesterday in support of Dr Stella Dorgu’s aspiration to occupy the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency seat.

The women with some males, stopped at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat to register their demand for a woman to take over the seat vacated by Gov. Seriake Dickson in the House of Representatives.

One of the supporters, Mrs Tina Tos, said Dorgu was more qualified than any other person who had indicated interest for the seat.

On his part, Mr Okogba Peter, another supporter, called on the PDP to give women a chance based on the 35 per cent affirmative action.

“We have no female representative from the state in the National Assembly, so we are pleading that they should be given that space.’’

He contended that Dorgu had vast experience in the political terrain.

Responding, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Ene Ketebu, said that the party would discuss the issue.

“We will pay attention to your request,’’ he assured the supporters.

He, however, added that their request would not stop eligible male aspirants from contesting for the vacant seat.

It will be recalled  that Dorgu, who hails from Asamabiri, contested the 1999 Bayelsa governorship election on the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The Sagbama/Ekeremor seat became vacant following Dickson’s election as governor of Bayelsa on February. 11.

Meanwhile, as the world marks the International Women’s Day, the  European Union (EU) yesterday, stressed the need for true gender equality in all spheres of human endeavour.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, said: “Today we celebrate International Women’s Day.

“While we can be proud of the significant progress already made, this day reminds us that much work lies ahead to achieve true gender equality.’’

She said in spite of women’s under-representation in politics, the EU was encouraged by the leading role played by women in the Arab Spring.

Ashton said that the bloc would continue to support women groups in the Southern Mediterranean and across the world.

According to her, the support will be through projects such as the one that allowed Libyan women to observe elections in Tunisia.

It will be recalled  that as part of efforts to promote gender equality in the country, the National Gender Policy was formulated to promote 35 per cent affirmative action for women.