Adamawa State was thrown into confusion Friday after Governor Jibrilla Bindow swore in Aliyu Tola, a man, as the Commissioner for Women Affairs.
Mr. Tola was inaugurated alongside 20 other commissioners in the state.
Women Affairs ministries at state and federal levels of government, are seen as symbols of gender balance, and are traditionally headed by females. The ministry handles issues affecting women.
Mr. Tola is the first male to head the ministry in Adamawa State.
The appointment has elicited reactions from women groups and politicians.
A female activist in the state, Rahima Bala, said she could not see the logic behind the governor’s decision.
“Actually I see no wisdom in appointing male commissioner to oversee ministry of women affairs. We will continue to educate him. The government is already in confusion,” Mrs. Bala said.
Also commenting, a supporter of the All Progressives Congress, Rifkatu Dantsoho, said she saw the appointment of most of the commissioners as patronage by the governor merely to compensate his cronies.
The controversy is the latest for the north east state that has been in the spotlight lately over questionable government decisions.
Mr. Bindow had earlier triggered anger after he was reported as saying that the government will spend N200 million for prayers against Boko Haram. He later denied the reports.
In August, the State House Assembly also faced a barrage of criticism following the lawmakers’ decision to clear the daughter of a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Fatima Abubakar, and the son of the state paramount traditional ruler, Lamido Adamawa, Muhammad Barkindo-Mustapha, as commissioners in absentia.
– Premium Times
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Adamawa State
