The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Gnaduje, has shedded more light on the controversy surrounding the replacement of a former ministerial nominee, Maryam Shetty.
Shetty, whose name was submitted to be screened among the second batch of ministerial nominees had arrived at the National Assembly complex when she was told that she had been replaced.
Soon after, the social media was abuzz with various reasons why she was dropped. While some said she was replaced as a result of her loyalty to Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, former Vice President, others claimed inexperience in government while some others see it as the handiwork of Ganduje, former governor of Kano state.
However, Ganduje said for obvious reasons,Shetty was replaced by Dr Mariya Mahmoud
Bunkure who served as a commissioner when he served as governor.
In an interview with select radio stations in Kano on Saturday. Ganduje said “The president has advisors on selection of ministerial nominees at the national and state levels. The president has the prerogative to nominate whomever he wishes and he has the right to consult people in states because they know those capable of discharging the duties.
“Maryam Shetty’s name emerged from the top, and since Mr President has the right to do as he wishes and we are his followers, one has to be patient; we did not object to it. As well, she was not well-known to us. We could not appraise her.
“But suddenly she (Maryam Shetty) came under attack on social media. People questioned her integrity and experience, with many of them doubting her credentials to represent Kano at the national level. There were growing disaffections. The dissatisfaction is not from Ganduje, but the people of Kano.
“President Bola Tinubu’s attention was drawn to the torrent of criticisms greeting Shetty’s nomination. The president asked whether I had nominated Mary Shetty. I said no. He asked how then her name appeared on the list. I told him I had no idea whatsoever.
“When he asked whether there was a need to replace her, I answered in affirmative, because the ministerial slot requires someone with integrity, knowledge, experience and commitment to the party – what one contributed to the making of the Tinubu administration. To satisfy these requirements, we are in the best position to nominate somebody from Kano. Even if someone recommended somebody, we should have been consulted on the matter.
“For this we were given a chance to nominate someone from Kano and since the slot was meant for a female, we consulted widely. Females had contributed to our development agenda in Kano State. Dr Mariya Bunkure, my commissioner for higher education, is a certified medical doctor. Kano South had been complaining for marginalization, even though I gave them SSG and other important political offices. These are some of the reasons we gave her name.
“But at least we are happy because the people of Kano are happy with the current development. The clarification is not to insult anybody, but to tell the truth of what exactly happened. People questioned her suitability that was why he was dropped, but that does not mean she will not get another appointment.”
