Protest hits FCT over same-state nominees for humanitarian ministry

Thousands of protesters gathered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, expressing their discontent over the nomination of two individuals from the same state for the Humanitarian Ministry.

The demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Men are not compassionate enough to run the Humanitarian Ministry,” “We say no to women’s discrimination,” and “The humanitarian ministry is not for political compensation.”

The concerned group gathered at the National Assembly in Abuja, led by its convener, Comrade Jennifer Raymond, and argued that nominating two individuals from the same state undermines the principles of federal character and national unity.

The group, which gathered under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women and Youth Council, called on President Tinubu to reconsider the appointments for the sake of inclusivity and fairness.

The group referred to the recent appointments of Nentawe Yiltawa as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and Chief Ayuba Gufwan as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for People Living with Disabilities, both of whom are from Plateau State.

According to the group, nominating two male candidates from the same state violates the constitutional principle of federal character, which aims to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

Jennifer emphasised that the nomination process must reflect Nigeria’s rich demographic diversity, stressing the importance of gender balance and geographic representation, particularly in ministries that address critical humanitarian issues and poverty alleviation.

While addressing journalists, Jennifer said: “The selection of male candidates from the same state undermines the constitutional principle of federal character, which is intended to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

“A particularly pressing concern within this context is gender representation. The current nominees for leadership positions in the ministry are male, raising significant questions about inclusivity and the ability to address the unique needs of all communities.

“Humanitarian affairs inherently involve diverse groups, including women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by crises. Their perspectives, experiences, and needs must be included in decision-making processes to ensure effective and equitable humanitarian responses.

“Research has consistently shown that organisations with gender-diverse leadership tend to perform better in crisis situations. Women often bring different viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.

“The call for diverse representation, particularly regarding gender, in the humanitarian ministry’s leadership is not merely a progressive ideal; it is a pragmatic strategy for enhancing the ministry’s effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s pressing humanitarian challenges.

“By reflecting the country’s diversity, including gender diversity, the leadership can ensure that humanitarian responses are contextually relevant, culturally appropriate, and ultimately more impactful.

“As Nigeria continues to navigate complex humanitarian issues, embracing diversity within leadership will be crucial for fostering resilience and improving the well-being of all its citizens.

“Therefore, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reflect federal character in his appointments by selecting a competent woman with a proven track record of humanitarian initiatives to occupy a key position in the Humanitarian Ministry.”