Niger Assembly halts screening of commissioner-nominees over percentage of Christians
The number of Christians on the list has caused the Niger State House of Assembly to halt the screening of the commissioner nominations put forth by Governor Umar Bago.
Only three of the thirty names on the list were identified as Christians, which they deemed to be “not fair enough.” This amounted to 10% of the list.
Mrs. Elizabeth Shaba from Paikoro LG, Ibrahim Mami Ijah from Tafa LG, and Mourice Magaji from Munya LG are among the Christians on the list.
According to information obtained by Platinum Times Nigeria, the MPs allegedly convened over the weekend to discuss the list’s injustice and demanded that the percentage rise to at least 30% before they could attend the screening.
According to Platinum Times Nigeria, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger Assembly, had called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
In response to the list, one of the assembly members representing Lavun Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Baba Dabban, noted during his speech at the annual state convention of the Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Niger State chapter in Kutigi that Christians and Muslims in the State are one and that the lawmakers have asked that the list be modified.
He insisted, “When we looked at the list after receiving it, we found that there is not a shred of direction. Additionally, we, the lawmakers in particular, the principal officers have previously recommended that Christians make up at least 30% of the executive council.
He said that although he had personally invited the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, to the convention, she and other MPs preferred to stay home to ensure that the Governor acted quickly in light of the recent development.
Assuring the Governor that the Legislators will meet with him to discuss the need to take appropriate action, Hon. Dabban continued, “We will advise him, and I know by the special grace of God he has a listening ear and he will listen to us.”
Deaconess Deborah Amina Gana, the State Chairperson of WOWICAN, had earlier urged the State Governor to treat all Nigerlites equally and without regard to their religion, ethnicity, or politics.