Coalition Rejects Nentawe for Humanitarian Minister

…says position not for political compensation

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Coalition of concerned civil society organizations, led by Comrade Mohammed Abdulrazak Ibrahim, has officially rejected President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Nentawe Yilwadta as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

The group argues that the role must be filled by a woman to ensure effective and compassionate leadership in addressing Nigeria’s pressing humanitarian challenges and not just a political in the name of political compensation.

In a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday, Comrade Ibrahim said, “We are calling on President Tinubu to reconsider the nomination and nominate someone with a track record of Humanitarian successes.

They also expressed shocked over the appointment of Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu as Minister of State Foreign Affairs, questioning her contribution to the ruling APC even as they alledged that Bianca was a card carrying member of APGA as at the last time they checked.

The Concerned citizen’s group also faulted Tinubu for nominating Former Minister of Police as Minister of Women Affairs, describing it as unfortunate over what they described as ill performance of the nominee while serving as Minister, including her tenure in refugee commission.

“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should be headed by a woman who understands the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations in our society especially at a time that the president’s policy is biting hard on Nigerians.

“As a coalition, we believes that a woman in this position would bring essential perspectives and experiences that are vital for the ministry’s success.”

The group also emphasized that women have long been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, often demonstrating remarkable resilience and empathy in times of crisis.

“Women are not only caregivers but also powerful advocates for change,” Ibrahim added. “Their insights can drive more effective policies and programs that truly meet the needs of those they serve.”

The coalition has warned that it will organize protests across the country if the president submits Yilwadta’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation.

He stressed that they are committed to mobilizing public support to highlight the importance of female leadership in humanitarian affairs. “We will not rest until the right choice is made. This is about ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but prioritized in decision-making.

“Meanwhile, We do not want it to be that we are targeting humanitarian Affairs alone. The state Minister of Police Affairs was appointed as Minister of Woman Affairs. We reject this in totality because her tenure as Minister of State Police Affairs and her tenure in refugee commission does not reflect any need for her appointment as she performed poorly.”

The group’s position reflects a growing demand for gender equity in leadership roles, especially in sectors that directly impact the well-being of families and communities. As Nigeria continues to grapple with significant humanitarian issues, the coalition believes that appointing a qualified woman to lead the ministry is crucial for fostering inclusive and effective governance.

The coalition’s call for action resonates with many Nigerians who advocate for the empowerment of women in leadership roles. They argue that such appointments are essential for driving meaningful change in the nation’s humanitarian landscape.

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