Why Tinubu Withdrew My Nomination As Minister — Maryam Shetty Breaks Silence

Maryam Shettima popularly known as Maryam Shetty, has blamed life with its characteristic unpredictability for the withdrawal of her name from the list of ministerial nominees by President Bola Tinubu, saying, however, she bore no ill will towards anyone.

She said being nominated was a validation of her capabilities and a sign of the nation’s readiness to appoint young women from the most traditional parts to office.

Kano State-born Shetty, whose nomination was withdrawn and replaced with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said this in a statement yesterday.

As of press time, no reason was given for the decision to replace her name with Mahmoud’s who also hails from Kano.

Shetty, however, said she didn’t consider the development a setback.

Her words; “I have found myself at the centre of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move that brought me immense honour, chose me as a ministerial nominee. Coming from the traditional, conservative regions of northern Nigeria, this represented a significant stride towards a more inclusive national representation.

“The sheer joy and pride I felt at my nomination were beyond words. It was a validation of my capabilities, a nod to my vision, and a sign that our great nation was ready to embrace a future where young women like me, even from the most traditional parts of Nigeria, can hold positions of influence and power.

“Yet, life, with its characteristic unpredictability, led to the withdrawal of my nomination. To some, this could seem like a setback, but my faith as a devout Muslim guided my understanding. I saw it as the divine will of Allah, who I believe grants power as He wishes when He wishes. His plans are always superior to ours.”

Ms Shettima is a political and social activist and a qualified physiotherapist who has worked with top-tier athletes including legendary athlete and world record holder, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt.

She was on the medical team of the London Olympics where she worked with the Jamaican superstar athlete.

Born into the Kano royal family, Ms Shettima started her early education in Kano and went to Federal School of Physiotherapy in Bayero University, where she finished her Bsc with distinction.

Ms Shettima built a distinguished career in the field of physiotherapy and alongside being a social entrepreneur, in addition to her prominent role in the field of supporting women and expanding the circle of her participation in society, which made her one of the influential young leaders in Africa.

She worked briefly with Dala Orthopedic and Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospitals in Kano before she went to London to further her education. She obtained her Masters Degree from the University of East London, Stratford where she majored in sports physiotherapy.

Ms Shettima was awarded an Honorary Degree for her outstanding roles in Leadership and Community Development by the ESGT University of Technology, Benin Republic.

Ms Shettima also obtained a certificate and became a practitioner of Kingian Non-Violence, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Emory University in the United States. She also bags a Public Policy Challenges of the 21st Century Certificate from University of Virginia.

She has extensive experience working both within the clinical and international development sector having previously worked with the UKAid funded programme – PATHS 2, the State House Clinic at the Presidential Villa and the Child Care and Wellness.