'For what exactly?' - Knocks, reactions over Northern governor's appointment of 131 female SSAs

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has announced the appointment of 131 women as his aides for his tenure as the number one administrator in the State.

This development was confirmed via a statement issued on Saturday, August 19, at the State House in Minna.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the appointment of his 131 aides on Saturday, August 19.

According to the statement, 90 appointees would serve as senior special assistants (SSAs), while the remaining 41 would serve as coordinators.

The secretary to the state government, Abubakar Usman, revealed that the appointment was strictly on merit and proper vetting of their profile, credentials and antecedents.

He urged them to serve purposefully and bring their A-game to make the State great again.

As reported by TheCable, Usman said: “There are a lot of women initiatives, we are creating a lot of desks to address affirmative actions and also gender-related issues in this government, and we hope the collaboration will meet the yearnings and aspirations of women.”

Netizens react

Meanwhile, reactions have trailed Governor Bago's decision to appoint 131 women as his aides to run the affairs of his administration for the next four years. While many were pleased by the inclusion of women in governors, Governor Bago was critiqued for appointing too many aides putting into consideration the cost of governance.

Adekunle King, a cybersecurity apprentice with his X handle @oshkunlery, said: "The 41 as coordinators could still fly, but about 90 SSAs for what exactly? Wastage of increased fed allocation from subsidy removal"

@bra_zac, said: "Whatever he did on women doesn't make sense, as long as he's a bandits sympathizer. The Bandits he knows killed many among are the recent 31 Soldiers that rendered women and children widows and orphans."

Hezekiah Akinrinde, a business analyst and communications advisory with the handle @theakinrinde, said: "Isn’t this madness??? 90 SSAs to do what exactly? This is nothing but political patronage.

"It is useless, irresponsible and an assault on our sensibilities. Government resources are smaller but financing government is getting ballooned. Such a shame!"