Sen Bala Mohammed , Governor of Bauchi State on Friday, appointed the office of Special Assistant on women affairs(unmarried) to Balaraba Ibrahim as she would be assisting the Governor on single ladies.
However, the appointment has been trending online with different Nigerians criticizing the Governor saying the appointment is of no use.
See just a few reactions below:
Daniel King posted: ”They ought to appoint a Special Assistant on Money Laundering Affairs, Yahoo Boys Affairs and the rest. Look where a state is channeling their resources amidst security challenges.”
A Facebook user, Abimbola Ayoka Omotayo, said: ” Dullard set of politicians, I won’t be surprised if another office is created for Special Assistant on Side Chics! This is Nigeria”
Adekunle Kayode in his post said: ”Who do we offend in this country?.. .God or… How can a sane government appoint portfolio like this? Am ashamed of the personalities involved.”
In the midst of all this Governor Bala defends himself.
In a statement released by his senior special assistant on media Mukhtar Gidado on Saturday August 8, Governor Bala said he appointed a special assistant on unmarried women affairs to address the needs of widows and divorcees in the state.
The statement read:
“The governor decided to establish a channel of communication whereby their plight can be addressed like those of other groups in the state.
“After due consideration and in keeping with his campaign pledge not to leave anybody behind, the governor graciously acceded to their request hence the appointment of a special assistant on women affairs, with the specific responsibility of handling matters related to widows and divorcees, not “unmarried” women.
“Unfortunately, while producing it, the word “unmarried” was inadvertently introduced into the letter. This is a clear mistake of the head; not of the heart which the Government sincerely regrets.
“Governor Bala Mohammed is sincerely pained that this error could have caused the women of Bauchi state and elsewhere, considerable distress and embarrassment.
“He has therefore directed that his personal apologies be conveyed to all women of Bauchi State, particularly the widows and divorcees whose interests he has vowed to protect and advance, always.
“Finally, governor Bala Mohammed enjoins the good people of Bauchi state to put this matter behind us so that, together, we can sustain the achievements that have been recorded, so far, in diverse areas such as youth empowerment, infrastructural development, rehabilitation of schools and primary healthcare centres, amelioration of the plight of senior citizens and retirees and the harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature.”
