Juliet Isi Ikhayere-Asekomeh is a legal practitioner passionate about policy and governance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Benin and an LL.B in Law from Enugu State University, graduating in 2018. After attending the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2019 and later earned a Master’s Degree in International Maritime Law from Nasarawa State University.
Throughout her academic career, Juliet engaged in leadership and social entrepreneurship, focusing on good governance and the development of youth and women. She served as Financial Secretary for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (2020-2022) and has participated in various community service initiatives, educating children and women about their civic responsibilities.
In February 2022, she ran for Councillor representing Kubwa Town and recently contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives for the Bwari/Amac Constituency in the 2023 General Election.
Juliet’s philosophy emphasizes addressing society’s common needs and promoting sustainable developmental values. Her work has garnered recognition from organizations such as Voice of America and Channel Afrika. She has received multiple awards, including honors from the Africa-Policy Conversation and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund.
Currently, she is the Principal Partner at Makhoms-J Attorneys. Inspired by her experiences growing up, she pursued law to contribute positively to her nation. Juliet is dedicated to career development in law and governance, making her a valuable asset to any organization. In this interview with The Trumpet, Juliet expresses her optimism that a woman will be President of Nigeria and also highlighted challenges faced by women in politics, qualities of good leaders amongst other issues.
In your own words, what are the qualities of a good leader, and why did you choose those qualities?
In my opinion, a good leader must possess courage, attentiveness, integrity, innovation, team-building, and facilitation skills. Leading people from diverse backgrounds is no easy task, which is why courage is essential. A leader must also be attentive to their surroundings to identify key issues and be innovative in crafting solutions. By innovation, I mean the ability to think critically and apply insights from others to solve problems—this is where team-building and facilitation come into play. A leader must ensure that all ideas are communicated clearly and executed effectively.
Lastly, integrity is paramount. It helps a leader resist intimidation from opponents and naysayers, enabling them to stay focused on their goals and remain motivated to achieve great things.
What challenges do Nigerian women face that make it hard for them to be involved in politics?
The challenges Nigerian women face in politics are significant and very real. One major obstacle is the patriarchal system, which often sees women as followers rather than leaders. This mindset is reinforced by cultural norms and religious institutions that shape societal expectations.
Read also: FOREX code, Cardoso’s approach to stabilizing the naira
Financial constraints also play a crucial role. Politics is expensive, requiring significant funding during pre-election, election, and post-election periods. Due to the limited access to legitimate wealth in Nigeria, women often find themselves at a disadvantage. Furthermore, Nigeria’s slow adaptation to scientific and technological advancements adds to these challenges, as women continue to struggle against deeply ingrained social norms and laws.
Additionally, there are stereotypes targeting unmarried women or those without children. I refer to these as silent stereotypes, yet they significantly impact how society perceives such women. These are just a few of the many challenges, but I believe that increased social awareness can help break these barriers over time.
With the current negativity towards women in political processes and issues of corruption in our political institutions, do you see a way out?
Yes, I believe there is a way forward. By providing the right orientation and intentionally sharing the stories of successful women, we can foster positive change in the near future. As a society, we need to leverage the power of the media to highlight women’s achievements in engaging ways—this will gradually shift the narrative and inspire more women to participate in politics.
The old adage states that politics is a solemn trust, not a popularity contest. How can we begin to change the minds of present-day Nigerians about the importance of political leadership as service rather than tyranny?
Changing perceptions requires raising awareness and crafting messages that educate society about the benefits of electing good leaders. It is essential to help people recognize the power they hold in a democracy to drive positive change.
What political reforms would you suggest to encourage more women to participate in political leadership and government administration?
I propose several reforms, including legislative measures that encourage women’s participation in elections, as well as electoral and legislative reforms that impose strict penalties for electoral crimes. There should also be reforms within security agencies, which play a crucial role in determining electoral outcomes in Nigeria. Ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, especially women and girls, is vital to encouraging broader participation.
Do you think a woman could someday emerge as Nigeria’s president, and how?
I firmly believe it is possible. Several African countries have already broken this glass ceiling, and it is only a matter of time before conditions in Nigeria align to create opportunities for outstanding women to rise to the presidency.
