Tinubu’s withdrawal of my ministerial nomination, divine will of Allah – Maryam Shetty
Dr. Maryam Shetty with other ministerial nominees on Friday awaiting screening before the withdrawal of her nomination
By Emma Ogbuehi
Rather than seeing the debacle that was the last minute withdrawal of her ministerial nomination by President Bola Tinubu as a setback, Dr. Maryam Shetty says it is the divine will of Allah.
Dr. Shetty, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was one of the 19 ministerial nominees whose names were sent to the Senate on Wednesday for screening and confirmation.
However, on Friday, while she was already at the National Assembly for the screening, Tinubu pulled the rug from under her feet and replaced her with her schoolmate also from Kano, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.
But Shetty said all hope was not lost, insisting that the best was yet to come.
In a statement posted on her verified Facebook page on Saturday, Shetty said “Life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination.”
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Tinubu withdraws Maryam Shetty, adds Keyamo to ministerial list
In the statement titled “My Journey of Nomination, Withdrawal, and Hope: A Personal Account,” Shetty, however, said even with the unexpected twist, her gratitude to President Tinubu for considering her 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,” she wrote.
Below is the full statement:
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.
Dr Maryam Shetty
