A group, the Niger Delta Progressive Women Worldwide has called for the immediate redeployment of Nentawe Yilwatda from his position as Minister Designate of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
The group, led by National Coordinator, Comrade Miebi Andakuro, voiced their concerns following Yilwatda’s recent Senate screening, where they allege his statements reflect a bias against the southern regions of Nigeria.
During the screening, Yilwatda reportedly emphasized benefits for Northern Nigeria, leading the Niger Delta women to assert that his leadership would marginalize the southern states.
“All the statements made by Nentawe during the Senate screening suggest that the Southern part of the country will benefit less, if at all, from the ministry under his direction,” Andakuro stated.
The Niger Delta women argue that the ministry, which is meant to serve the entire country, cannot be effectively led by someone perceived to favor one region over others.
They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take their concerns seriously, citing Yiltawa’s remarks as indicative of a larger problem of regional bias within the ministry.
Andakuro proposed that Yilwatda, an engineer by profession, would be better suited to the Ministry of Lands and Housing, where he could utilize his skills more effectively. “We believe he can add value to that administration,” she said.
The group insists that the President should appoint a woman with a strong background in humanitarian work or philanthropy to lead the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and not an engineer in the name of political compensation.