By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Christian women under the auspices, Concerned Northern Christian Women Forum (CNCWF), Niger state chapter has added their voice to the call on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to listen to the voice of wisdom by heeding the call for equity, justice and fairness in political appointments.
The women group has equally called on the Governor's wife, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago to speak with the husband to see that everything is wrong with giving undue recognition to Muslims over people of other faith, Christians in particular by the unequaled recognition in political appointments, job opportunities and other entitlements every citizen of the state enjoyed.
Briefing journalists in Minna on what they termed, systemic exclusion of Christians in key appointments, Deputy governorship slot inclusive, the women groups pleaded with the governor's wife to speak with her husband as a wife and a mother who would not be happy to see her children being deprived of their rights or entitlements because of religious beliefs.
Spokesperson of the group, Mrs. Grace Zegi, said the Christian women and mothers have watched with sadness how their husbands, sons and daughters were being systematically excluded from the good things rheir moslem counterparts are enjoying.
Though not losing hope that no Christian has benefited so far from key appointments under the Umar Bago led All Progressive Congress (APC) administration, Zegi said the women group are not happy with glaring disparity and wants the gap to be bridged.
"We wish to categorically state that same faith ticket in Niger state is akin to discarding the feelings of adherents of other faiths", adding that the reaffirmation of the Muslim-Muslim ticket reflects the governor's choice of political convenience over inclusion of every tribe and religion.
The Christian women groupb said, "Various groups had appealed to the Governor to give thoughtful considerations in his appointment and we, the concerned Christian women in northern Nigeria are also feeling both the physical and psychological pains of the marginalization".
"We seen Governor Bago to be lover of both Christians and Muslims, he will do well to balance things so that everybody will be happy with each other".
Though it is not constitutional that states must not have Governor and deputy same faith, Zegy said it will be unfair to deny people from other faith and their families due appointments.
She said, "Though Nigerian constitution does not prohibit same faith arrangement, political leadership should demonstrate sensitivity to the religious diversity, circularity and as heterogeneous nature of the state when taking such key decisions".
While reminding Bago that Christians and Muslims together voted for him, the group argued that, "We Christians in Niger state are equal citizens of Niger state too and deserve equal rights, such decisions amounts to undermining other religions and religious inclinations".
The current socio-economic and security challenges require leadership that fosters cohesion and one that reassures all segments of the Nigeria that they are adequately represented in the government.
Governor Bago who enjoyed support of women from both sides, they said could have sent stronger message of being a promoter of unity, equity and justice by adopting a fairer religious inclusive ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
"Our strength lies in our diversity. Our unity should be built on mutual respect among people of different faiths, ethnicities, and zones. A leadership that consciously reflects this diversity strengthens the people’s confidence and reinforces the principle that no group should feel excluded from the highest levels of governance".
Niger state have a large Christian population, adfing that the state’s highest political offices should reflect the state’s religious diversities just as we all respect the zoning formula which has come to stay irrespective of the political parties, the women group further pointed out.
"How do you show to the people that you are a promoter of inclusion, equity, fairness and unity? The question then is, if it were the other way round, would it augur well to those in power?
No doubts, by the Governor has the prerogative to nominate anybody in line with the Nigerian constitution, and anybody of his choice to be his running mate but let it be known that, 'there is still no equity and fairness in this current government'.
"We are watching, because when it is time for politicking or electioneering campaigns, they remember Christians, their women in particular and would want us to mobilise votes. When it is time to appoint or select who to occupy key positions, they will side-line us".
"We believe and stand for equity and fairness in governance. For the records, we supported the governor's first term and we will support his second term bid but what we are calling for is that there should be equal and fair representation of the two major religions in political appointments".
Mr. Governor in one of his remarks had declared that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that everybody and every aspect of the society is represented in his government in order to have a reflection of state character in governance, this same declaration by Governor Bago according to them is very much missing.
"We will continue to speak and we hope that the Governor keeps to his words so that we can have equal representation in the system where justice and fairness will overide individual political interests".
Not losing hope that something can still be done to right the wrongs, the women group said, "There are other Principal offices, and we are watching patiently and hoping that Governor Bago will do the needful because posterity is there. What will he be remembered for? NNL.
