By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
A coalition of Women under the auspices of Concerned Northern Christian Women Forum, Niger State chapter has called on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state, to appoint Christians into Principal offices in his cabinet to ensure equity, fairness and inclusivity.
The Chairperson of the State chapter of the Northern Christians Women Mrs. Grace Zegi stated this while speaking during a press conference organised in Minna, just as she also urged Wife of the Governor, Hajia Fatima Umaru Bago to impress on her husband to embrace inclusivity.
According to her “the same faith ticket in Niger state is akin to discarding the feelings of the adherents of other faiths.
“Reaffirmation of the Muslim-Muslim Governorship ticket by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago reflects political convenience over inclusion”.
It should be recalled that, Governor Bago had during his recent remarks after reaffirming his Deputy as running mate assured that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that every aspect of the society is represented in his government in order to have a reflection of State character in governance.
Mrs. Zegi reflecting on the Governor’s action said the Governor Bago- led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration could have sent a stronger message of unity by adopting a more religiously inclusive ticket for the forthcoming 2027 general election, saying “no group should feel excluded from the highest levels of governance”.
She added that, various groups had appealed to the Governor to give thoughtful considerations in his appointment, adding that “we believe as one who is seen to be lover of both faiths, he will do well to balance things”.
Mrs. Zegi further stated that political leadership should demonstrate sensitivity to the State’s religious diversity.
Accordingly, “we are citizens too and such decisions amount to undermining other religions. Our current socio-economic and security challenges require leadership that fosters cohesion and one that reassures all segments of the population that they are adequately represented in the government”.
She thereby emphasized that “Christians in the State have a large population and that the highest political offices should reflect the State’s religious diversity just as we all respect the zoning formula which has come to stay irrespective of the political parties.
“We know by the Nigeria’s Constitution, the Governor has the prerogative to nominate anybody of his choice to be his running mate but let it be known that, there is still no equity and fairness in this current government.
“We are watching, because when it is time for politicking, they remember Christians and want us to mobilise votes. When it is time to appoint or select, we are side-lined. We believe and stand for equity and fairness in Governance”.
Furthermore, she stated that, the Forum supported the governor’s first term and will continue to support his second term bid but that there should be equal and fair representation of the two major religions in appointments.
“We will continue to speak and hope Governor Bago keeps to his words so that we can have equal representation in the system, because there are other Principal offices, and we are watching patiently”.
She then called on the Governor’s wife to intervene and impress on her husband to keep to his promises by ensuring there is fairness, equity and inclusivity in his next appointment.
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