Group Expresses Solidarity With Women Affairs Minister Amid Protests

The Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement (CAPE) has expressed solidarity with the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, following recent protests staged by civil servants at the ministry.

In a letter of solidarity addressed to the minister 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” to undermine the minister’s reputation and incite workers against her.

The letter acknowledged Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s public service record, referencing her 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 at 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,” the group stated.

CAPE said it was aware of attempts to use protests to discredit the minister, but assured her of 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 in the discharge of her duties while disregarding what it called “the scheming of blackmailers.”