Niger State Assembly Suspends Screening Of Commissioner Nominees Over 10 Percent Christian Names On List

Niger State House of Assembly has put a halt to the screening of the 30 commissioner nominees forwarded to the legislature by Governor Umar Bago, on the grounds that three Christians on the list is an unfair representation for a government that has promised equity and fairness in religious balancing between Islam and Christianity, the two predominant faith practiced in the state. 

The Governor had last Thursday submitted by 30 names as Commissioners designate to the Niger State House of Assembly for screening, with three of the names; Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, Sanda Umar and Suleiman Isah, conspicuously marked, “Special designation.” 

Out of the three Christians is one female, Mrs. Elizabeth Shaba from Paikoro, while two others, male are Mr. Ibrahim Mami Ijah from Tafa and Mr. Maurice Magaji from Munya Local Government Areas respectively.  

While the dust raised by the names is yet to settle especially among some members of the legislature, Governor Umar Mohammed Bago by the list failed to keep to promise of ensuring fairness, equity and justice to all religions made during his post-election victory thanksgiving service which took place at the St. Michaels Catholic Cathedral, Minna.   

It was learnt that due to the imbalances, the lawmakers had an emergency meeting last weekend where the issue was exhaustively deliberated upon and the possible dangers of overlooking the lopsidedness in religious balancing in such appointments. 

During deliberations, members were worried that, “Only three Christians out of the thirty names submitted by the state Governor and as such is not fair for a state that is almost equal in the number of adherents of the two faiths.” 

The lawmakers during the meeting which took place at the Assembly complex, Minna over the weekend at the instance of the Speaker, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-daji, questioned the extent of equity and fairness when only about 10% of Christians made the list.  

Consequently, the lawmakers have suspended the screening of the Commissioners’ nominee list until necessary adjustments are made to scale up the number of Christians to at least twenty-five or thirty percent of Christians.  

Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Lavun Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Baba Dabban while speaking at the annual state convention of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), which took place in Kutigi, Lavun local government area emphasised the need for peace and tolerant for adherents of the two religions. 

Yusuf Dabban in confirmation of the developments that stalled the screening said, “Christians and Muslims in Niger state are one. We (lawmakers) have asked that the list be adjusted to a level that fairness, equity and justice should not only be heard but seen in practicality.” 

He said, “When we received the list, we looked at it and discovered that there is no iota of guidance. And we, the lawmakers especially the Principal Officers are already making a recommendation that Christians form thirty percent (30%) or at least 25% of the State Executive Council. 

“I personally invited the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda to attend this convention but because of the unfairness in the list, she and others are currently meeting to see that the Governor acts fast,” he said. 

The lawmaker further hinted that, “I can assure you by the special grace of God something must change on that list. The truth is that we are not fighting each other but we must tell ourselves the truth.” 

While assuring that, the Lawmakers will meet with Governor Umar Bago to act accordingly, Hon. Dabban said ‘We will advise him, and I know by the special grace of God he has a listening ear and he will listen to us on this subject matter’.  

The State Chairperson of, WOWICAN, Deaconess Deborah Amina Gana had earlier called on the State Governor, Hon. Umar Bago to see and treat all Nigerlites as one irrespective of religious, tribal and or political affiliations.  

Deaconess Gana said, “Our dear Governor, in your appointments, please be fair, be just and ensure equity for all of us in Niger state as you promised and assured us before and after you emerged as Governor of Niger state”. 

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

– Daily Independent