Abuja Network News has learned that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu, has recently appointed Abdulaziz Danladi, the former member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and immediate Action Alliance Candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general elections, as the national coordinator of the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO).
This appointment has sparked considerable controversy and drawn mixed reactions from members, stakeholders, and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs had announced the appointments two weeks ago, stating that it was in line with President Bola Tinubu's directive to restructure the Social Safety Net Programme to effectively address the expanded mandate of the ministry. However, the decision to appoint an opposition member to such a sensitive position has raised eyebrows and led to a wave of criticism.
Many APC members and supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction with the appointment, questioning the logic behind appointing someone from an opposing political party to a key role within the ministry. They argue that this move undermines the principles of party loyalty and raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Stakeholders have also voiced their concerns, highlighting the importance of maintaining a unified front within the ministry to effectively implement social safety net programs. They argue that appointing an opposition member may hinder the smooth coordination and execution of policies, potentially leading to inefficiencies and delays in delivering essential services to vulnerable populations.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this appointment will impact the operations and effectiveness of the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office. The public will be closely watching to see if the appointment of an opposition member can bridge political divides and contribute to the successful implementation of social safety net programs in Nigeria.