A coalition of women under the auspices of the Concerned Northern Christian Women Forum, Niger State chapter, has called on the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, to appoint Christians into principal offices in his cabinet.

Speaking during a press conference organised in Minna, the Chairperson of the Niger State chapter, Mrs. Grace Zegi, also urged the wife of the governor, Hajia Fatima Umaru Bago, to impress on her husband the need to embrace inclusivity.

According to her, “The same-faith ticket in Niger State is akin to disregarding the feelings of adherents of other faiths.

“The reaffirmation of the Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago reflects political convenience over inclusion.”

It should be recalled that Governor Bago, during his recent remarks after reaffirming his deputy as his running mate, assured that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that every segment of society is represented in his government in order to reflect the state’s character in governance.

Reflecting on the governor’s action, Mrs. Zegi said the Governor Bago-led All Progressives Congress (APC) could have sent a stronger message of unity by adopting a more religiously inclusive ticket for the 2027 general election, saying that “no group should feel excluded from the highest levels of governance.”

She added that various groups had appealed to the governor to give thoughtful consideration to his appointments, adding that “we believe that, as someone who is seen as a lover of both faiths, he will do well to balance things.”

Mrs. Zegi further stated that political leadership should demonstrate sensitivity to the state’s religious diversity.

According to her, “We are citizens too, and such decisions amount to undermining other religions. Our current socio-economic and security challenges require leadership that fosters cohesion and reassures all segments of the population that they are adequately represented in government.”

She emphasised that “Christians in the state constitute a large population and that the highest political offices should reflect the state’s religious diversity, just as we all respect the zoning formula, which has come to stay irrespective of political parties.

“We know that, by the Nigerian Constitution, the governor has the prerogative to nominate anybody of his choice as 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, they remember Christians and want us to mobilise votes. When it is time to appoint or select people, we are sidelined. We believe in and stand for equity and fairness in governance.”

Furthermore, she stated that the forum supported the governor’s first term and would continue to support his second-term bid, but there should be equal and fair representation of the two major religions in appointments.

“We will continue to speak and hope Governor Bago keeps to his word so that we can have equal representation in the system because there are other principal offices, and we are watching patiently.”

She then called on the governor’s wife to intervene and impress on her husband to keep his promises by ensuring fairness, equity and inclusivity in his next appointments.