NANS SAYS PROTEST AT WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTRY IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has characterized the recent demonstration at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as politically driven, asserting that the protest was intended to undermine the Minister, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, and to cast aspersions on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a communiqué signed by its President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS indicated that its independent assessment of the protest revealed that it transcended typical employee grievances and bore political implications associated with disputes regarding the minister’s appointment.
“It is indeed concerning that a woman of established integrity and capability, who previously served as Minister of State for Police Affairs with a commendable record of achievement, is abruptly being labeled as ‘staff unfriendly’ merely eight months following her reassignment to the Ministry of Women Affairs,” the communiqué stated.
The student organization recognized that topics such as outstanding reimbursements for official travels, insufficient work resources, and postponed promotion evaluations had been, brought forth, but contended that such issues should typically be addressed through the permanent secretary, who serves as the accounting officer of the ministry.
“By all measures, such concerns, if authentic, should have been communicated to the permanent secretary, the administrative head, which would usually facilitate an official dialogue with the relevant authorities, rather than an impromptu protest targeting a new minister who has been in office for less than a year,” NANS remarked.
The association further emphasized what it termed as advancement within the ministry under Suleiman-Ibrahim’s stewardship, citing the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions and Development Programme. It noted that these initiatives had already brought government presence to the grassroots and enhanced confidence in the ministry’s mission.
“NANS hereby urges all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could divert the minister from her responsibilities. We will persist in supporting authentic progress at the Ministry of Women Affairs and defending leaders committed to achieving outcomes for Nigerian women and girls,” the statement continued.
The students reaffirmed their faith in the minister’s leadership and encouraged her to maintain her focus on her mandate of promoting the rights, welfare, and empowerment of Nigerian women and girls.
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