My Next Set of Appointments ‘ll Be Women, Says Niger Gov

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Umar Bago, has disclosed that the next set of appointments to be made by his government will be women, insisting that five women will soon be given political appointments.

Of almost the 20 personal aides announced for his office and that of the deputy governor so far, only two are women with the duo in the media units of his office and that of his deputy.

Speaking after the swearing-in of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff Government House and the Head of Service in Minna yesterday, Governor Bago promised that women will be given their rightful place in the politics of the state.

Bago also said the majority of members of his proposed cabinet would be composed of youths.

He dismissed insinuations that most of those he had appointed were dictated to him by his “godfathers” saying: “They are my choices,” and therefore, charged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by working boldly and assiduously for the growth and development of the state.

The governor pleaded with his supporters to be patient, adding that everything possible will be done to ensure the fulfilment of his campaign promises to the citizens.

Commenting on the insecurity situation in some parts of the state, Bago reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure that the communities ravaged by insecurity due to the activities of the bandits would soon heave a sigh of relief.

In his remarks and on behalf the appointees, the SSG, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, pledged their commitment, loyalty and full support for the success of the present administration to achieve its numerous objectives.

Those sworn in by the governor are Alhaji Abubakar Salisu as HOS; Alhaji  Usman Abdullahi Batamangi as COS; Alhaji  Sadiq Yusuf as deputy COS, and Alhaji Bello Ibrahim as deputy Chief of Staff to the deputy governor.