Group Backs Women Affairs Minister Amid Civil Servants’ Protests

The Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement (CAPE) has declared its support for the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in the wake of protests recently staged by ministry staff.

In a solidarity letter delivered to the minister and read by Luke Jacob on behalf of CAPE’s Director of Public Engagement, Emmanuel Lawal, the group denounced what it described as “sinister plots” aimed at damaging the minister’s image and inciting workers against her.

The letter highlighted Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s track record in public service, citing her past roles as Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Federal Commissioner at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Minister of State for Police Affairs, and now as head of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

“We are not unmindful of the grand plot to castigate you, tarnish you before the public, and destroy your hard-earned reputation and unblemished record of service,” CAPE stated.

The group said it was aware of efforts to use the protests to discredit the minister but reassured her of widespread public backing.

“As concerned citizens, we are here on behalf of millions of Nigerians who appreciate your contributions to nation building. We assure you, now and always, that we are prepared to stand by you and counter any false narrative,” the letter read.

CAPE reaffirmed its confidence in Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s leadership, urging her to stay focused on her responsibilities and pay no attention to what it termed “the scheming of blackmailers.”