Women cumulatively constitute 14 percent of the first tranche of political appointments by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, an independent analysis by WikkiTimes reveals.
However, the percentage is short of the National Gender Policy’s recommendation of 35 percent affirmative action for women in governmental appointments across all levels in Nigeria.
The governor appointed 64 persons into various positions in two separate appointments soon after starting his second tenure – 24 commissioners and 40 caretaker committee chairmen and deputies.
He appointed at least one commissioner from each of the 20 local government areas of the state to form the State Executive Council. The Caretaking Committee Chairmen and deputies, on the other hand, oversee the runnings of their respective area councils before the conduct of LG elections.
Women constituted 21 percent of the commissioner appointments thus far as the governor appointed only five women to serve in that capacity. He appointed Tsammani Lydia Haruna posted to the newly created Ministry of Higher Education; Hajara Jibrin Gidado in charge of Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development; Hajara Yakubu Wanka assigned to the newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management; Amina Mohammed Katagum assigned to Ministry of Land and Survey and Dr Jamila Mohammed Dahiru assigned to Ministry of Education.
Similarly, out of the 40 local government Caretaking Committee Chairmen and their Deputies, the Governor appointed only four women representing 10 percent. The most notable one was his decision to appoint Dr. Zainab Baban Tako as Chairperson Bauchi’s local government. Other women were appointed to serve as deputy chairpersons.
Jamila Aliyu Adamu was appointed as deputy chairperson Warji local government; Bahijja Baki deputy chairperson Giade and Tasalla Kawu Labaran deputy chairperson Darazo local government respectively.
Women rights groups and activists continue to push for the inclusion of women in politics and governance in Nigeria, arguing that women deserve equal opportunities like their men counterparts.
