“The people and elites of Keffi must remember that if the minister is removed from office today, there is no guarantee that another individual from Keffi will be nominated to replace her”.
BY AHMAD TUKUR
Among the ministers who retained their positions in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle was the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim. Not only did she survive the reorganization, but she was also elevated from Minister of State for Police Affairs to a full minister in her current portfolio.
Her political survival has left many observers surprised and curious. This is not necessarily due to her performance, but because her initial tenure was relatively quiet and low-profile. Recently, however, she has found herself in the spotlight for less favourable reasons, facing a wave of criticism on social media over allegations of non-performance.
To her credit, the minister has demonstrated a commitment to her mandate as she actively advocated for women’s empowerment and child welfare through national reforms, formed strategic partnerships with organizations like the Nigeria Customs Service, and promoted skills development initiatives under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim has also been a voice for stronger policies against gender-based violence and has participated in key discussions on protecting children’s rights.
It is therefore concerning that, despite her efforts and her retention of the role, she faces significant public scrutiny, particularly from her constituency, Nasarawa State, which feels she needs to do more.
Recent defensive reactions from her office to these criticisms suggest the minister is slightly thrown off-balance. However, this should instead be a catalyst for resilience. Criticism is a vital mechanism for ensuring transparency and accountability in a democracy. It allows citizens to express dissent, challenge government policies, and fosters healthy debate that can lead to improved governance. A minister ought to recognize that constructive criticism is a crucial instrument for checks and balances, designed to keep public officials on their toes.
The most disheartening aspect of this situation is the apparent lack of robust defense from her local government area, Keffi. It was expected that Keffi, as a key political hub in Nasarawa, would rally support for her. In her few months in office, she has reportedly influenced the construction of an asphalt road within Keffi metropolis and included some constituents in empowerment programs.
Keffi has an opportunity to set a positive example for other constituencies. Pure, unadulterated animosity and a desire to tarnish a person’s reputation are toxic elements we must avoid in politics. The people and elites of Keffi must remember that if the minister is removed from office today, there is no guarantee that another individual from Keffi will be nominated to replace her.
The balanced path forward is clear: we should consistently commend good work and, where necessary, offer constructive criticism to correct poor governance. This approach ultimately serves the best interests of both the state and the nation.
…Ahmad Tukur, an analyst is based in Lafia, Nasarawa State
