MARYAM Shetty, a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose ministerial nomination was withdrawn by President Bola Tinubu, says the best is yet to come.
In a statement on Saturday about 24 hours after the dramatic twist of events, Shetty said “life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination”.
About one week after his first batch list of 28 ministerial nominees was sent to the Senate, Tinubu, last Wednesday, sent 19 more names to the upper chamber for confirmation as ministers.
Shetty was one of the 19 names in the supplementary ministerial list for confirmation but in a twist of events, just before her screening before the red chamber on Friday, the President removed her name and replaced her with two others — Festus Keyamo and Mariya Mahmoud.
Full statement below:
My Journey of Nomination, Withdrawal, and Hope: A Personal Account.
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.
Even with this unexpected twist, my gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for considering me for such an esteemed position remains undiminished. The journey doesn’t end here; I believe this is a mere stepping stone, the best is yet to come. My resolve to serve my beloved country, Nigeria, in any capacity I can, is stronger than ever.
I would like to assure my incredible supporters that this is not an end, it is the dawn of a new era I urge all of us to continue praying for our nation and to stand behind our president as he strives to better Nigeria. Together, let’s press ahead united under our #WEBELIEVE campaign.
It would be unfair of me here if I fail to acknowledge and appreciate the overwhelming support from international organizations and community, a lot have reached out and I am completely dazed by it all.
My nomination may have been withdrawn, but my hope is unwavering. As I have often stated, “Hope is not lost; maybe I will come back again.” This phase of my life has instilled in me a deeper sense of resilience, faith, and the value of service beyond titles and positions. It has reaffirmed my belief in the potential for change and in the inherent greatness of Nigeria. The dream is still alive, and my commitment to our nation remains steadfast.
As we move forward, I pray for the good health and strength to our President Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.
May Allah continue to bless our great nation, The Federal Republic of Nigeria! #webelieve!
NB: I would like my supporters to know that this is my only verified source of interaction on social media and should be wary of cloned accounts bearing my name. Thank you and God Bless.
Signed:
Dr Maryam Shetty