A pro-democracy group, Young Women in Nigerian Politics on Friday, appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to consider redeploying his Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, Delu Yakubu as the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
Our correspondent reports that the embattled National Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu, was arrested in connection with an alleged N44billion money laundering and later released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on bail.
The NSIPA Coordinator was arrested and taken into EFCC custody on Tuesday night following her suspension by President Bola Tinubu. It was learnt that the N44bn was allegedly suspiciously moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons serving as fronts.
However, a statement by the Convener of the women organisation, Rejoice Ishaku in Kaduna, urged President Tinubu to replace the embattled NSIPA Coordinator with Ms. Yakubu.
She recalled that Ms Yakubu was first nominated by the President and even screened by the National Assembly before being picked as the SSA on Humanitarian Affairs.
She said, “we are aware that Ms Yakubu was the first candidate nominated by Mr President to lead the Agency. She was screened by the National Assembly and even assumed the office but for some inexplicable reasons, she was instead appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
“We are thankful to Mr President for considering her as his SSA and we firmly believe that if he elevates her to head the NSIPA, she will add immense value to his Administration.
“Her track record showcases her ability to effectively manage and implement large-scale social investment programmes, which will make her a huge asset to the agency and Nigeria in general.
“Ms Yakubu has demonstrated a strategic vision for social investment in different capacities, emphasizing inclusivity and targeted interventions to uplift the most vulnerable populations.”
“In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis particularly in the Northern part of the country, which has been the epicenter of various challenges, we believe it is crucial to have a leader who not only understands the complexities of the issue but is deeply committed to addressing the needs of the people. In this regard, we wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Delu Yakubu for the role of National Coordinator of NSIPA.”
