The
All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as ill-conceived and baseless the opposition to the appointment of its governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, as minister-designate.
Nentawe was named the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.
A statement signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, described those opposing the appointment as as fifth columnists.
A statement purportedly on behalf of a group called Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organization, signed by Mohammed Abdulkarim had argued that Dr Nentawe being a male and also a politician is not fit to head that Ministry.
The party described the group as prowlers whose action was borne out of mischief.
Bamaiyi said the signatory to the statement further exposed his emptiness and motives, by arguing that the ministry is better headed by a female, because according to him a woman possesses effective and compassionate leadership qualities of addressing the Humanitarian challenges of the Country.
He said, “As hallow and unintelligent as the arguments of the organisation are, they could better be neglected but for the fear of being misconstrued to be reasonable by a cross section of the gullible members of the public, it has become necessary to concern them to the rubbish bin they appropriately belong.
“In the first instance, the organisation’s objections against the appointment of a male to head the Ministry could have been more appreciated and convincing, if the ministry was statutorily meant for women from top to bottom.
“Suffice it to mention, that Dr Nentawe being a politician is not supposed to be the Minister in charge of that Ministry is mischievous, because the last two Women Ministers Hajiya Sadiya Sadique and Dr Beta Edu were both politicians.
“Further more, the argument that women possess compassionate virtues more than their male counterparts, is neither here nor there, because qualification, competence, exposure and experience are the underlying factors of determining outcomes.
“The most important part of the June press statement is Mohammed and his Organization’s deliberate failure to touch on Dr Nentawe’s credentials, pedigree and experience, but rather chose to talk about gender parity as a tool for measuring competence and service delivery smacks mischief and wickedness.
“Though people can question Mr President’s sense of judgement on issues of appointment and national interests, it would be better appreciated as well as understandable, if such observations are germane and well grounded.
“In conclusion therefore, the so-called statement by the organization against the well applauded and cherished appointment of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, should be disregarded and considered as the handiwork of mischief makers and enemies of Plateau State.”