How I Handled My Ministerial Nomination Withdrawal Setback - Maryam Shetty

In the wake of the withdrawal of her name from the list of ministerial nominees by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, Dr Maryam Shetty of Kano State, has said her faith as a devout Muslim guided her understanding of the setback.

Shetty, in a statement on Saturday, attributed the setback to what she described as life’s ‘characteristic unpredictability’, adding that the unexpected development was the will of Almighty Allah.

She, however, noted that her nomination by the President brought her immense honour, adding that the move, despite being reversed, was a sign that Nigeria was ready to embrace a future where young women could hold positions of influence and power.

Shetty said, “I have found myself at the centre of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move that brought me immense honour, chose me as a ministerial nominee. Coming from the traditional, conservative regions of northern Nigeria, this represented a significant stride towards a more inclusive national representation.

“The sheer joy and pride I felt at my nomination were beyond words. It was a validation of my capabilities, a nod to my vision, and a sign that our great nation was ready to embrace a future where young women like me, even from the most traditional parts of Nigeria, can hold positions of influence and power.

“Yet, life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination. To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding. I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours.”