By Huldah Shado
Staff of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on Thursday staged a protest at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, accusing Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim of neglect, poor leadership, and disregard for workers’ welfare.
The aggrieved employees, who booed the minister and chanted slogans, alleged that the ministry lacks basic work tools, including stationery, while the minister maintains more than 25 special assistants.
“We often use our personal funds for official duties. When we complain, she tells us to go to President Tinubu,” said staff member Anne Ojubele.
Another worker, Alake Success, described the minister as unapproachable, adding: “She has over 25 SAs, yet there’s no harmonious relationship with staff. We want her transferred.”
Reacting in a statement, the ministry said while staff have the right to express grievances, such actions must align with professionalism and civil service rules.
The statement, signed by the minister’s media adviser, Jonathan Eze, noted that Sulaiman-Ibrahim “understands staff welfare and professional growth are crucial to performance” but stressed that finance and administration are under the Permanent Secretary, not the minister.
