The Niger State House of Assembly has decided to suspend the screening process for the commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Umar Bago due to concerns about the representation of Christians on the list.

Only three nominees out of thirty are Christians, accounting for just 10 per cent, which the lawmakers deemed as “not fair enough.”

The Christian nominees on the list include Mrs Elizabeth Shaba from Paikoro LG, Ibrahim Mami Ijah from Tafa LG, and Mourice Magaji from Munya LG. During the weekend, the lawmakers reportedly met and raised objections to the list’s lack of balance, insisting that before proceeding with the screening, the proportion of Christian nominees should increase to at least 30 per cent.

In response to the situation, the Speaker of the Niger Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, called for an emergency meeting to address the matter. Speaking at the Annual State Convention of the Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Niger State chapter in Kutigi, Hon. Yusuf Baba Dabban, one of the assembly members representing Lavun Constituency, emphasized that Christians and Muslims in the State are unified, while also stating the lawmakers’ demand for adjustments to the list.

He insisted, “When we received the list, we looked at it and discovered that there is no iota of guidance. And we, the lawmakers, §especially the Principal officers, are already making a recommendation that Christians comprise 30% or at per cent of the executive council.” 

He stated that he personally extended an invitation to the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, to attend the convention. However, due to the situation, she and other lawmakers decided to remain behind to ensure that the Governor takes prompt action.

Hon Dabban further reassured that the legislators will meet with the Governor to discuss the necessity of acting appropriately, adding, “we will advise him, and I know by the special grace of God he has a listening ear and he will listen to us.”

Earlier, the State Chairperson of WOWICAN, Deaconess Deborah Amina Gana, had urged the State Governor to treat all Nigerlites equally without any religious, tribal, or political bias.