ABUJA, Nigeria — As preparations are underway for President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate his cabinet members on Monday, August 21, 2023, the Northern Nigeria Disability Forum, NNDF, has sounded a caution.
The body has threatened to take legal action against the President for not considering Persons With Disability, PWD, in the ministerial and other political appointments.
Yerima Suleiman, the National Chairman of the NNDF, on Sunday, August 20, 2023, revealed the organization’s intention to challenge the oversight in court.
Suleiman referenced a 2018 law signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari that mandates allocating 5% of all political appointments to persons with disabilities.
Asserting the forum’s constitutional rights, Suleiman said, “The 2018 law clearly mandates that 5% of appointments should be reserved for persons with disabilities. However, as of now, we do not see any representation for our community in the political appointments announced.”
The forum believes that a legal interpretation of the law is necessary. Suleiman emphasized, “It is vital that we approach the court to help interpret this significant legislation crafted by the former President. We cannot stand by while our rights, as enshrined in the law, are overlooked.”
Suleiman went on to express the NNDF’s reservation towards the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of the ministers.
He addressed potential counter-arguments by saying, “While some might point to the establishment of a commission dedicated to persons with disabilities, it should be clear that this doesn’t negate the law’s stipulation of the 5% allocation for political appointments.”
The move by NNDF underscores the broader issue of representation and inclusivity in Nigerian politics, especially for marginalized groups.
Wike FCT, Umahi Works, Keyamo Aviation: Tinubu Unveils Ministerial Portfolios
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu disclosed the portfolios of his ministers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
According to details provided by Aso Rock sources to The Trent, 13 nominees have been designated as Ministers of State, with a few new ministries also being introduced.
Here are some of the notable appointments:
- Communications, Innovation And Digital Economy: Bosun Tijani
- Finance And Coordinating Minister Of The Economy: Wale Edun
- Power: Adebayo Adelabu
- Transportation: Adegboyega Oyetola
- Industry, Trade and Investment: Doris Anite
- Innovation Science and Technology: Uche Nnaji
- Women Affairs: Uju Kennedy
- Works: David Umahi
- Aviation and Aerospace Development: Festus Keyamo
- Federal Capital Territory: Nyesom Wike
- Defence: Muhammed Badaru
This reshuffle has sparked discussions regarding President Tinubu’s direction in his administration, especially with the creation of new portfolios and the noticeable absence of three ministerial nominees.
There are also murmurs in political circles regarding the potential ramifications of the Senate’s decision to withhold confirmation based on security checks.
The new Ministry of Marine And Blue Economy and Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy have been created.
However, it was observed that three prominent names – a former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai; a former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress, Stella Okotete; and a ministerial nominee from Taraba state, Danladi Abubakar – were conspicuously absent from the list.
The Senate had earlier withheld the confirmation of the trio due to ongoing security checks.
