A former ministerial nominee, Maryam Shettima aka Maryam Shetty, has described the withdrawal of her appointment as the will of God.
Daily Trust had reported how President Bola Tinubu replaced her with Mariya Mahmoud, her classmate, on Friday.
Dressed in a black flowing gown with a red head gear, Shetty had a sun shade on her face.
The former candidate had come to the National Assembly expecting to be screened there.
The dumped nominee arrived at the National Assembly Complex in a black SUV with a few friends.
The former nominee was captured on camera posing for pictures with several people before being escorted away.
Her name was seen by a Daily Trust correspondent on the Senate’s order sheet. She was waiting in queue to be screened while her paperwork had already been forwarded.
Later, she appeared to leave the chamber with disappointment.
Shetty stated in a statement on Saturday that she would not let the incident make her lose faith in the nation.
She also extended gratitude to Kashim Shettima, the vice president, and Tinubu.
“I have discovered myself in the middle of a crucial period in Nigeria’s political history. I feel incredibly honoured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated me for a ministerial position. This constituted a big step towards a more inclusive national representation coming from the traditional, conservative regions of northern Nigeria.
“The pure happiness and pleasure I experienced upon being nominated were beyond words. It was an indication that our wonderful nation was prepared to accept a future in which young women like me, even from the most traditional sections of Nigeria, might assume positions of influence and power. It was also a confirmation of my ability and a nod to my vision.
“However, life’s characteristic irrationality caused me to withdraw my nomination. This could appear to be a setback to some people, but as a devoted Muslim, my faith guided my reasoning. I perceived it to be the divine will of Allah, who, in my opinion, bestows authority when and as He pleases. His schemes are always better than ours.
I am extremely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the international community and organisations; it would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge and appreciate it.
“My nomination might have been dropped, but I still have optimism. Hope is not lost; perhaps I will return, since I have spoken a lot. This period of my life has strengthened my sense of fortitude, faith, and the importance of service above and beyond titles and positions. It has strengthened my conviction in Nigeria’s capacity for change and in its inherent grandeur. The dream is still alive, and I am still fully committed to our country.
Lukundu (
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