The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has raised alarm over what she described as a coordinated attempt to undermine the Ministry of Women Affairs and her leadership as a female political office holder.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on recent clashes between management and staff, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the protests and criticisms against her as part of a wider scheme to discredit the Women’s Ministry and women in leadership.

“There’s an attack on the Ministry of Women Affairs and on female politicians, and they are trying to use the staff against the ministry,” she declared.

She stressed that the resistance she faces is not just about her person but part of a broader assault on women in leadership.

“We are fighting for positions for women, and they are fighting me as a woman. But we will not give up,” she said.

Days earlier, ministry workers openly booed the Minister during a protest, accusing her of neglect, arrogance, and poor leadership.

According to staff, the ministry has been starved of basic work tools, including stationery, while the Minister reportedly maintains over 25 Special Assistants.

Addressing staff concerns, the Minister acknowledged their complaints but clarified the limits of her role as the political head of the ministry.

“All you are complaining about, I know about it, and I always consent to the ones I can. But you want me to be the Permanent Secretary, HR, and Director of Finance. Everyone has their role,” she explained.

She emphasized that her mandate is focused on political advocacy and policy direction, while administrative duties fall under the purview of the Permanent Secretary and Directors. She called for mutual respect, trust, and collaboration to move the ministry forward.

“We should all be human beings first before anything else. I appeal for unity and urge every staff to focus on the bigger picture of women’s struggle in governance,” she added.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim warned that internal conflict only strengthens those working against the ministry’s mandate.

“If we do not do things properly, we will be our own enemies of progress. People only align where there is peace. We can still solve our problems without harassing each other,” she cautioned.

The Minister also lamented what she described as deliberate sabotage of her efforts to reposition the ministry, citing withheld memos and blocked initiatives. Nonetheless, she reassured staff of her commitment to their welfare and to the ministry’s mandate.

Concluding, she reminded them that the Ministry of Women Affairs is the “conscience of the country,” with a broad responsibility for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups. She urged all staff to uphold its integrity.

The Minister’s remarks came just two days after staff of the ministry staged a protest at its headquarters in Abuja, calling for her redeployment. At an interactive session on Thursday, workers reiterated their grievances.

Union Chairperson, Anne Orjiobele, criticized poor communication and exclusion of professionals from program planning.

"The ministry’s programme should be communicated to the entire staff and run by professionals. Today, officers on level 10 do not even know what is happening. In the past, we were carried along, but now we are not,” she said.

Child Protection Officer, Abdusalam Abdulaziz, lamented the absence of staff quarters despite the ministry’s decades-long existence.

“In 1995, after the Beijing Convention, came the freedom of Women Affairs. This year makes it 30 years, but we still don’t have staff quarters. Some of us travel four hours daily from Keffi to get to work. If you can address this, it will solve 50% of our problems,” he said.

Other staff highlighted welfare, training, and retirement challenges. Peter from the Research Department appealed for laptops and timely payment of repatriation allowances.

“Some of us taught ourselves computer skills because we could not access training or devices. Also, those retiring face fear of the unknown. If allowances are paid promptly, it will ease their transition,” he explained.

A widow in the ministry, Mrs. Bumi Oni Obadje, pleaded for inclusion and compassion.

“We, the widows in the ministry, do not benefit from the things the Minister does for widows outside. I lost my husband in November and faced bullying from his family. I came to the ministry for help, but I did not get your attention, ma’am. Please come to the widows’ aid and hear our cries. Money is not everything sometimes, we just need words of encouragement,” she said emotionally.

For persons with disabilities, Principal Admin Officer, Daniel Isiwe, complained about exclusion.

“We have an association of staff with disabilities. Our basic need is inclusion, accommodation, and access. In the ministry, these are still challenges,” he said.

Staff also lamented that for two years the ministry had not organized International Women’s Day, its flagship event.

The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, though tensions remain between the management and staff of Nigeria’s apex ministry for women and vulnerable groups. (The Guardian)