Six Christian commissioners not enough to address marginalisation – Vatsa

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has said the increase in the number of Christian commissioners in Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s cabinet from three to six is not enough to address what he described as the “open marginalisation” of Christians in the state.

Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, commended Bago for the latest appointments but urged the governor to extend Christian representation to key positions in government.

Bago had last week approved the appointment of six commissioners-designate, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly. Three of the nominees are Christians.

The nominees are Lucky Barau, Gurara; Isah Wakili, Bosso; Dr Isah Adamu, Kontagora; Emmanuel Alamu, Magama; Shuaibu Saidu Kaboji, Mashegu; and Mohammed Danladi Garba.

Vatsa in a statement issued in Minna on Thursday said, “I want to commend the governor for increasing the number of Christian commissioners in his cabinet from three to six. It’s a welcome development. At least, this goes to show that our voices are being heard”

However, he noted that the development was not enough, insisting that Christians deserved greater representation in the government, given their population in the state.

“If the governor decides to go ahead with his Muslim-Muslim ticket for 2027, Christians should be considered for the positions of Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff.

“That is the only way the Christian community in the state can have a sense of belonging,” he said.

Vatsa cited the administration of former governor Babangida Aliyu as an example of what he described as equitable representation, noting that the government had about seven Christian commissioners, while Christians occupied the positions of SSG and Chief of Staff at different times.

“There was equity, justice and fairness,” he said.

The former APC publicity secretary, who has remained critical of what he considers inadequate Christian representation, explained that his position was not driven by a quest for political appointments.

He stated, “I cannot keep quiet and refuse to speak when there is lack of equity, fairness and justice because of what I will eat. I will remain in the party and continue to speak against marginalisation of any form.”

Vatsa noted that his advocacy was aimed at ensuring equal representation rather than securing appointments for himself.

“I was not making the case against Christian marginalisation for myself but the need for equal representation,” he said.

He urged Bago to demonstrate what he called genuine commitment to the Christian community by considering Christians for either the SSG or Chief of Staff position.

Vatsa further warned that the religious composition of the APC ticket could have consequences for the party in the 2027 election, particularly if opposition parties adopt a Muslim-Christian ticket.

“If any opposition party decides to go ahead with a Muslim-Christian ticket, it might be tough for the party,” he warned.