The Niger State House of Assembly has suspended the screening of the commissioner nominees forwarded by Governor Mohammed Bago, decrying the inclusion of “only three Christians” in the 30-nominee list.
The lawmakers described the inclusion of only 10 per cent of Christians in the list as unfair.
According to The PUNCH, the lawmakers met at the weekend after the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji summoned an emergency meeting.
The lawmakers decided to suspend the screening of the commissioner-nominees until there was at least 25 per cent Christian representation.
At the annual state convention of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) in Kutigi, Lavun Local Government Area, the lawmaker representing Lavun Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Dabban 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.
“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 30 per cent or at least 25 per cent of the executive council.
“I personally invited the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki 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.
“I can assure you that, 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”, he said.
Dabban said the lawmakers would meet with the governor.
“Maybe it was an oversight on the part of the governor, but we have drawn the attention of His Excellency to it, to look at it in such a manner that we will have peaceful coexistence in the state,” Dabban added.
Earlier, WOWICAN’s state Chairperson, Deaconess Deborah Gana called on Bago to see and treat all residents in the state as one, irrespective of religious, tribal, or political affiliation.
