The Jonathan ladies [Vanguard Version]

Posted by admin Latest Politics, Women Politics Friday, September 9th, 2011

As if president Goodluck Jonathan has not made enough history, he comes down once again as only Nigerian president living or dead who appointed so many women into his cabinet.

Yet, the women in Jonathan’s cabinet are more of the same: political appointees brought on to fill the quota. Fortunately every last one of them are of no mean accomplishments in their own rights. What chances do they have of proving having women on board will make a significant difference? It’s been a hundred days, so who will hit the ground running?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala FINANCE

The controversies of the debt cancellation deal looms overhead. Will she live it down?

Antecedent:

“I promised women a 35 per cent slot in my cabinet and I fulfilled that vow, because it is my desire to ensure a level playing field in Nigeria by heading an administration where ethnicity, gender and religion do not hinder qualified persons from fulfilling their potential. It is also the reason I ordered the admission of women to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) a first in Nigeria. Women should brace up to be all they want to be in life as this administration will be an enabler of your progress” – Goodluck Jonathan.

Top shot at the World Bank for decades, Okonjo Iwealla is one of the best known names in the global finance world.Prof. Viola Onwuliri

STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Seems like easy turf, but it is only deceptively so.

Antecedent: Professor of Biochemistry and running mate to governorship aspirant Ikedi Ohakim

Achievement:

Prof. Viola took the opportunity to show what a fine diplomat she was after the UN office bombing in Abuja. Her response was quick and precise, her speech was impeccable and well circulated.

Diezani Alison-Madueke

PETROLEUM RESOURCES

She has been accused of corruption, though never formally. Will Nigeria trust her now? The biggest expectation for her right now is to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil. Great task, even for a woman.

Antecedent:

She is an old PDP hand having worked as Minister of Transport, Mine and Steel and finally, Petroleum, the first woman to do so.

Ama Pepple

LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Politically, she’s the perfect appointee, but will this be enough?

Antecedent:

Hailed as the one of the few Nigerians to have held sway in both arms of governance at the National level as the Clerk of the Senate and the second woman in our history to serve as the Head of Service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Achievement:

She has taken up the very important task of ending the ugly trend of building collapse. Her utterances have been reassuring, but when will we see the policies?

Olusola Obada

STATE FOR DEFENCE

She has proved her mettle as a strong leader in the executive arm, but can she fight like a man?

Antecedent:

Best known as Deputy Governor of Osun State under Olagunsoye Oyinlola

Achievement:

Also very much on ground after the UN office bombing.

Mrs Sarah Ochekpe

WATER RESOURCES

She has one of those dicey job descriptions, reducing the pressure.

Antecedent

Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), State Director of ActionAid in Plateau State and Director in the Headquarters of the National orientation agency.

Achievement

Luckily, the ministry under her leadership has been beneficiary of a 40million Euro grant, and she is making the best of it. Nigeria is waiting.

Stella Oduah

AVIATION

She won’t be the first woman to head this ministry in recent times, but does she have the power to perform miracles?

Antecedent:

An astute business woman, she is founder and erstwhile Chief Executive of Sea Petroleum and Gas (SPG), an oil marketing company.

Achievement:

She has promised to aid the industry with Public/Private partnership, and has encouraged States to build their own airports.

Hajia Zainab Ibrahim-Kuchi

NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS

Niger Delta militancy might be getting less relevant in the face of Boko Haram terrorism, but can she keep Yaradua’s dream glowing?

Antecedent:

President of Daralkuchi group of companies and subsidiary, she was an experienced business woman.

Achievement:

She has continued the training program for former militants in the Amnesty Programme.

Professor Ruqayyat Rufai

EDUCATION

By far the most challenging ministry, but this is the roundest peg in the roundest hole with a distinguished education career and local experience.

Antecedence:

She is former Dean of Education, Bayero University, as well as commissioner of education and science, Jigawa State.

Jumoke Akinjide

STATE FOR FCT

A career politician, Jumoke Akinjide will have to prove being Daddy’s little girl will not be all she’s counting on here

Antecedent:

Seasoned legal practitioner and Special Assistant to former President Obasanjo

Achievement:

Akinjide has been on the forefront since the bombing of the UN Abuja office, proving herself a practical leader.

Hajia Zainab Maina

WOMEN AFFAIRS

Working the most woman friendly president ever, she will have his every support. Will she use it?

Antecedent:

PDP insider, she was in charge of women affairs of the Jonathan Sambo campaign.

Hadiza Ibrahim Mai Lafia

ENVIRONMENT

On the international scene, this is the most important ministry. Is she prepared?

Achievement: She has hit the ground running by clearly articulating her goals, working the conference circuit and looking at previous projects wp_posts