South-South Coordinator of the Reserved Seats for Women bill Campaign, Ebi Timi Alaibe Elezieanya on Monday joined other prominent women leaders from the South-South and across Nigeria to intensify advocacy for the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly.
Alaibe Elezieanya who is the Daughter of a political stalwart and former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chairman, Chief Timi Alaibe, maintained that the proposed legislation will without a doubt guarantee more opportunities for women in political leadership, policymaking, and national development.
On Monday, Nigeria’s drive toward gender-inclusive governance gained further push as the National assembly hosted a public hearing in Abuja.
Speaking to our correspondent in Abuja, 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.
According to the South-South coordinator 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.
Elezieanya 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.
