By Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, GOMBE
Published on 17th Sept. 2025
A group under the aegies of Global Alliance for Peace and Unity (GAPU) has frowned at the recent industrial action taken by some aggrieved workers of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs who thronged the streets chanting for change in certain administarave aspects of the ministry. The gesture has been seen by the GAPU as an unprofessional conduct and one that's targetted at diminishing the good image and reputation of the Hon.Minister of Women Affairs ,Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
Expressing the GAPU's position on the grievances raised by staff of the ministry, the National President of the group Mr. Solomon Pevkyaa stated that the procedure followed by the staff of the ministry is beyond conventional means of Institutional engagement.
He described the action of the ministry's staff as purely "excess" and "reckless attack" on the personality of the minister, noting that it's a general knowledge that within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), overheads such as duty tour allowances, training, and staff welfare are managed by the Permanent Secretary and finance/admin units, who serve as Accounting Officers.
According to Pevkyaa, the least the affected staff could do to express their grievance freely without intimidating the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Dr.Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, is to engage in productive constructive dialogue between staff unions, the Permanent Secretary, and oversight bodies as the proper path to resolving grievances.
"This, he noted, is the right cannel to air your grievance", maintaining that the function of the Hon. Minister does not imply issueing fund to employees.
"Ideally, her role as a minister is to provide policy direction and leadership but does not disburse funds to staff" Pevkyaa added.
The GAPU's top leader further admitted public workers has every freedom to demand for their rights when it's violated through embarking on peaceful protest on gunuine causes, he however lamented that misdirecting anger at an innocent minister rather than addressing the civil service management chain risks distracting from the real issues,” he regretted.
The protest embarked upon by a handful of ministry workers aroused serious tension in the public sector, leading to widespread speculations as to what extent the debates about accountability in Nigeria’s public service could be maintained, leaving several other people wondering what goes wrong or right in the sector.
Reports have it that crisis loomed when the Ministry of Women Affairs workers accused the ministry of neglecting their welfare, citing unpaid allowances, lack of work tools, and delays in promotions. The minister was immediately accused of gross negligence by the aggrieved workers and their symphtizers, a development that plung GAPU's leadership to quickly counter the attack and allegations against the minister who, the group believed had done more for the ministry and therefore she deserves to be appreciated raher than been castigated.
“For the sake of peace and unity, people should know when they are crossing the red line,” he warned.
Earlier, the minister had promised to ensure an improved welfare packages to accommodate the workers concern. She reiterated her ministry's commitment towards provision of adequate working tools, prompt reimbursements, and enhanced training opportunities for the staff.
She spoke in a town hall meeting on Saturday where she emphasized that she was not perturbed by the protesters antics, rather, extended her heartfelt forgiveness to staff and remains committed to their wellbeing.
Commending the Minister's mature handling of the crisis, GAPU, in a statement issued on Saturday by the National President Honourable Solomon Pevkyaa, praised the Minister’s calm and motherly disposition in handling the situation, noting that her assurances have restored confidence among workers and stakeholders.
He described the Minister's pledge of “better days ahead” as a reflection of her genuine commitment to the growth of the ministry and the empowerment of women across Nigeria.
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