Niger State House of Assembly complex (file photo)
‘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’
By Mohammed Usman
The Niger State House of Assembly has suspended the screening of the 30 commissioner nominees forwarded to it by Governor Umar Bago, because the list contained only three Christians.
The lawmakers said that the list was an unfair representation for a government that preaches equity and fairness in religious balancing between Islam and Christianity, the two predominant faith practiced in the state.
The governor had last Thursday submitted 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, 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.
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As a result, it was gathered that the lawmakers held an emergency meeting at the weekend where the issue was exhaustively deliberated upon and the possible dangers overlooking the lopsidedness in religious balancing in such appointments.
While the dust raised by the names was 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.
