Ganduje Reveals His Role In Disqualification Of Ministerial Nominee, Maryam Shetty

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Gnaduje, has clarified the controversy surrounding former ministerial nominee, Maryam Shetty.

Recall President Bola Tinubu had replaced Shetty with Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure who served as a commissioner when Ganduje was governor.

Admitting that the social media outrage that trailed Shetty’s appointment led to her removal, the former governor said social media is very powerful.

He said, “The president has advisors on the selection of ministerial nominees at the national and state levels. The president has the prerogative to nominate whomever he wishes and he has the right to consult people in states because they know those capable of discharging the duties.

“Maryam Shetty’s name emerged from the top, and since Mr President has the right to do as he wishes and we are his followers, one has to be patient; we did not object to it. As well, she was not well-known to us. We could not appraise her.

“But suddenly she (Maryam Shetty) came under attack on social media. People questioned her integrity and experience, with many of them doubting her credentials to represent Kano at the national level. There were growing disaffections. The dissatisfaction is not from Ganduje, but the people of Kano.

“President Bola Tinubu’s attention was drawn to the torrent of criticisms greeting Shetty’s nomination. The president asked whether I had nominated Mary Shetty. I said no. He asked how then her name appeared on the list. I told him I had no idea whatsoever.

“When he asked whether there was a need to replace her, I answered in affirmative, because the ministerial slot requires someone with integrity, knowledge, experience and commitment to the party – what one contributed to the making of the Tinubu administration. To satisfy these requirements, we are in the best position to nominate somebody from Kano. Even if someone recommended somebody, we should have been consulted on the matter.

“For this, we were given a chance to nominate someone from Kano and since the slot was meant for a female, we consulted widely. Females have contributed to our development agenda in Kano State. Dr Mariya Bunkure, my commissioner for higher education, is a certified medical doctor. Kano South had been complaining about marginalization, even though I gave them SSG and other important political offices. These are some of the reasons we gave her name.