Against the backdrop of the withdrawal of her name from the list of ministerial nominees by President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Maryam Shetty heaped the blames on life with its characteristic unpredictability for the action of the move, stressing, however, that she bore no ill will towards anyone.
According to her, the nomination was proof of her abilities and showed that the country is open to electing young women from even the most conservative regions to positions of power.
Kano State-born Shetty, whose nomination was withdrawn and replaced with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, made this known in a statement obtained by Africa Today News, New York on Sunday.
Meanwhile, no reason was offered for the decision to replace her name with Mahmoud’s who also hails from Kano.
Shetty, however, said she didn’t consider the development a setback.
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Her words: ‘I have found myself at the centre of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move that brought me immense honour, chose me as a ministerial nominee. Coming from the traditional, conservative regions of northern Nigeria, this represented a significant stride towards a more inclusive national representation.
‘The sheer joy and pride I felt at my nomination were beyond words. It was a validation of my capabilities, a nod to my vision, and a sign that our great nation was ready to embrace a future where young women like me, even from the most traditional parts of Nigeria, can hold positions of influence and power.
‘Yet, life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination. To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding. I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours.’
Africa Today News, New York reports that the National Assembly is expected to complete the ministerial screening next week.