‘Total Aberration’ – CSOs Question Tinubu’s Ministerial Appointments

Nigeria’s civil society organizations have expressed their discontent regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent ministerial appointments.

Naija News reports that following some considerations, President Tinubu recently reshuffled his cabinet, sacking and appointing some persons into various ministries.

However, the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria has condemned the selection of two men to oversee the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, describing it as a “total aberration” and a blatant disregard for gender equity.

The organization highlighted a significant absence of female representation in the crucial ministries.

During a press conference at Arewa House in Kaduna yesterday, Comrade Aminu Abbas Arabi, the national coordinator of the coalition, voiced his disappointment over the appointments of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and Hon. (Dr) Yusuf Tanko Sununu to lead the ministry, citing their insufficient experience in humanitarian efforts.

Arabi contended that women are more adept at managing the sensitive responsibilities of the ministry, referencing the shortcomings of previous administrations led by men.

Consequently, the coalition urged President Tinubu to reassess his appointments and to incorporate a greater number of women into his cabinet, especially in pivotal roles, asserting that combating poverty necessitates female leadership.

They also called upon the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to leverage her influence in advocating for women’s empowerment and enhancing employment opportunities.

As Nigeria faces challenges such as poverty, food inflation, and the removal of subsidies, the coalition cautioned that the current appointments would likely worsen the ongoing crisis.

“It is our firm conviction and position that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is designed to be administered by a woman for effective service delivery.

“Granted that the last two women appointed to head the Ministry did not deliver as expected, is not enough reason to deny other qualified, dedicated and competent women of opportunity to contribute their quota to nation building.

“The failure of Sadia Umar Farouk and Dr Beta Edu should not be a bane to Nigerian women.

“It is unacceptable that both the senior and junior ministers in the Ministry should be male.

“We appeal to Mr. President to kindly reconsider replacing one of the ministers with a woman who we believe will pay more attention to the plight of the less privileged and downtrodden as it is typical of all women.

“We, therefore, patriotically call on Mr. President to reconsider his choice of appointees for the ministry for the sake of Nigerians. A cabinet reshuffle and reassignment of portfolios to the ministers involved will not be a bad idea”, they said.