Niger lawmakers reject Bago’s commissioners list, cite imbalance 

.WOWICAN makes case for women in Bago’s govt

Niger State House of Assembly has stalled the screening of commissioner-nominees forwarded to it by Governor Mohammed Bago, because the list comprised only 10 per cent of Christians.

The Guardian gathered that only three Christians were in the list of 30 nominees, which the lawmakers described as unfair. They, therefore, suspended the screening of nominees until it has, at least, 25 per cent of Christians.

The Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, had summoned the lawmakers to an emergency meeting on the issue.

At the yearly convention of Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Niger State chapter, in Kutigi, Lavun Local Council, Yusuf Dabban (Lavun Constituency), said: “Christians and Muslims in the state are one. We (lawmakers) have asked that the list be adjusted.”

The list has Elizabeth Shaba from Paikoro, Ibrahim Ijah from Tafa and Maurice Magaji from Munya as the only Christians.

He added: “When we received the list, we looked at it and discovered that there is no iota of guidance. We, the lawmakers, especially the principal officers, are already making recommendations that Christians form 30 per cent or at least 25 per cent of the State Executive Council (SEC).

“I personally invited the Deputy Speaker, Eunice Dauda, to attend this convention; but because of the unfairness in the list, she and others are meeting to ensure the governor acts fast.

“I can assure you, by the special grace of God, something must change on that list. We are not fighting one another, but we must tell ourselves the truth.”

While assuring that the lawmakers will meet with Governor Bago to act accordingly, Dabban noted: “We will advise him, and I believe he has a listening ear and will listen to us.

“Maybe it was an oversight on the side of the governor, but we have drawn his attention to it, for him to look at it in a manner that will maintain peaceful coexistence in the state.”

In her remarks, the State Chairperson of WOWICAN, Deaconess Deborah Gana, called on the governor to see and treat all Nigerlites as one, irrespective of religious, tribal and or political affiliation. She also made a case for women in Bago’s government.

She said: “Our dear governor, be fair and just, as you promised us before and after you emerged as governor.

“Let your cabinet be balanced; give Christians a sense of belonging. Out of 30 nominees, we have only two or three Christians. That does not portray fairness. Give women a sense of belonging by appointing more women into various positions, especially into your cabinet.