7 ‘Amazons’ Who Made Tinubu’s Ministerial List, To Whom Much Is Given… -By Isaac Asabor

If there is any political trend that can be said in this context to be discouraging and unpromising to Nigerian women, it is the misogynistic tendencies that men in politics have from one political dispensation to another been exhibiting against women who aspire to participate in politics. Given the foregoing, there is no denying the fact that women in politics in Nigeria face numerous challenges, including stereotypes, violence, and patriarchal dominance.

There is no denying the fact that within the setting of Nigeria’s politics, since 1999 when the democratic system of government was embraced, women’s representation remains disproportionately low. In fact, discrimination and gender bias have long plagued the nation’s political arena, stifling the potential contributions of talented and capable women leaders.

This issue, particularly during the electioneering that preceded the February 25, 2023 election,  did not go unnoticed as advocacy groups and prominent figures called for change, emphasizing the importance of equal representation in politics. Even recently, ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unveiling of the list of ministerial nominees, not a few advocates engaged him at different media parley pushing for the reflection of 35% affirmative action in his list.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it will be recalled in this context that in September 2022 at a media parley that the National Women Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Betta Edu spoke on the chances of her party winning the presidential election and the realization of 35% affirmative action for women if Asiwaju Bola Tinubu emerges President. As God would have it, her name was included in the list of 28 ministerial nominees which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came up with, and presented by Femi Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff and the immediate past Speaker of the House of the Representatives, to Senate President Godswill Akpabio at exactly 01:19 pm on July 27, 2023.

A few days before the disclosure of the names of the nominees, the immediate past Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his promise to implement the 35 percent affirmative action for women in appointments.

Ostensibly overwhelmed by pressure that was collectively mounted on him by advocates of 35 percent affirmation action, the president had in a groundbreaking move unveiled a list of ministerial nominees, neverthelesswith 25% of the nominees being women.

Given the hopeful development, the women who are remarkably dubbed the “Amazons,” are set to take on key leadership roles in the nation’s governmentbringing their expertise to bear across every sector of the economy.

As earlier mentioned, Dr. Edu, a prominent Nigerian female politician and a medical doctor with specialization in public health, was the Cross River State Commissioner for Health before her resignation in 2022, and also the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made the list.

Also on the list of women nominees is HannatuMusawa, who is a renowned barrister and solicitor with an impressive track record in the legal field. Her dedication to justice and advocacy for the marginalized has made her a respected voice in Nigeria’s legal circles. Beyond her legal career, she has also been actively involved in politics, contesting for a federal House of Representatives legislative seat in Katsina State.

HannatuMusawa is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, she is also a qualified solicitor in England &Wales, UK. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Mentioned in no particular order in this context is Hon. NkeirukaOnyejocha.  She is a highly regarded politician and public servant, known for her commitment to community development. Her tenure as the Transition Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State saw the implementation of erosion control projects, improved community security, and rehabilitation of feeder roads. She is a vocal champion for women’s rights and empowerment.

Her political career started with her appointment in 2002 to the executive cabinet of Abia State as commissioner for Resource Management and Manpower Development by Governor Orji UzorKalu. She is recognized for the establishment of skill acquisition centers across Abia state.

Also in the list is Hon. Stella Okotette, whose focus is on economic development and social empowerment by virtue of being a dedicated public servant. Her work with the e-Girls Right Foundation reflects her commitment to philanthropy and community service. As a politician, she has worked tirelessly to represent her constituents and bring about positive change in her country.

In the same vein is Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, who has had a trailblazing journey in politics and has shattered glass ceilings, and on that note proven that women can excel in any field they choose. Her commitment to hospitality, social and political engineering, and her compassion for the indigent and needy have won her admiration and support from the grassroots level.

Still in the same vein is Mrs. Iman Suleiman Ibrahim: Her appointment as the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) showcased her advocacy for women’s empowerment and social justice. Her dedication to humanitarian causes and philanthropic work has uplifted the lives of many, especially those in vulnerable situations.

Also, Dr. Doris AnicheUzoka, an accomplished medical professional, who has made remarkable contributions to healthcare research and technology, positively impacting countless lives made the list.

Given the fact that the appointments that lie in wait for these nominees upon confirmation by members of the National Assembly (NASS) is a national assignment, it is expedient to remind them in this context that “To whom much is given, much will be required”.

To those in Christendom, the foregoing injunction is not unfamiliar as it can be found in Luke 12:48. In as much as Nigeria is not under a theocratic system of government it is a leadership tenet that urges leaders in all spheres of life to be responsible as leaders, and diligently bring their best to bear as God has no doubt blessed them with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, and it is expected that they extend the benefits therein to others.