ActionAid Nigeria has expressed disappointment over the exclusion of women, youths and physically challenged persons from the ministerial list submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Senate for screening.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Country Director, Ene Obi, the organisation said the list was lopsided and short of meeting the 35 per cent affirmative action, adding that the development was against the tenets of inclusive governance.
“ActionAid Nigeria is dismayed that despite the promise by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), through Mr. President that the party is committed to inclusive governance especially ensuring that women and young people will not be excluded in decision making spaces, only seven women made the list out of the 43 nominees; this 16.6 per cent accorded to women is grossly unrepresentative and inadequate,” she said.
“It is unbelievable that rather than progressing, Nigeria is retrogressing in delivering its commitment on inclusive governance.”
“Women constitute about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population, and we believe that Nigeria has qualified women who can contribute to the national development of the country”.
“ActionAid Nigeria therefore calls on the President to retract the list and make it inclusive by nominating more women, youths and persons living with disability as it is not too late to do the right thing and keep to the promise made to the Nigerian citizens.”
“Additionally, he should further include women, youths and persons living with disability in other positions such as Directors of Boards and institutions and heads of Departments and Agencies. We are reminding the President that the National Gender Policy is in force and it should be complied with, not just in letter but in practice,” she said.
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