The Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement (CAPE) has declared its support for the minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, following protests recently staged by civil servants at the ministry.
In a solidarity letter presented yesterday during a civil society rally in Abuja and read by Luke Jacob on behalf of Emmanuel Lawal, director of Public Engagement at CAPE, the group condemned what it described as “sinister plots” aimed at undermining the minister’s reputation and instigating unrest among workers.
The letter highlighted Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s service record, citing her previous 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 her current leadership of the Women Affairs Ministry.
“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,” the group stated.
CAPE said it was aware of attempts to use protests to discredit the minister but assured her of continued public support.
“As concerned citizens, we are here representing millions of Nigerians who appreciate your contributions to nation-building.
We assure you now and always that as citizens, we are prepared to stand by you and correct the wrong narrative,” the letter added.
The group reaffirmed its confidence in the minister’s leadership and urged her to remain focused on discharging her duties while ignoring what it described as “the scheming of blackmailers.”
