‘I saw it as divine will of Allah,’ Maryam Shetty speaks on withdrawal of ministerial nomination

Maryam Shetty, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose ministerial nomination was withdrawn by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says it was the divine will of Allah, who grants power as He wishes when He wishes.

In a statement via her Facebook page on Saturday about 24 hours after her replacement, Shetty said “The journey doesn’t end but believe it was a mere stepping stone and the best is yet to come.”

Shetty, from Kano State, was one of the nominees in the second ministerial list for confirmation but just before her screening before the red chamber on Friday, the President removed her name and replaced her with Mariya Mahmoud.

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Shetty said the sheer joy and pride she felt being nominated were beyond words which validates her capabilities, a nod to vision, and a sign that Nigeria was ready to embrace a future where young women 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.

“Even with this unexpected twist, my gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for considering me for such an esteemed position remains undiminished. The journey doesn’t end here; I believe this is a mere stepping stone, and the best is yet to come. My resolve to serve my beloved country, Nigeria, in any capacity I can, is stronger than ever.

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“I would like to assure my incredible supporters that this is not an end, it is the dawn of a new era I urge all of us to continue praying for our nation and to stand behind our president as he strives to better Nigeria. Together, let’s press ahead united under our #WEBELIEVE campaign.

“My nomination may have been withdrawn, but my hope is unwavering. As I have often stated, “Hope is not lost; maybe I will come back again.” This phase of my life has instilled in me a deeper sense of resilience, faith, and the value of service beyond titles and positions. It has reaffirmed my belief in the potential for change and in the inherent greatness of Nigeria. The dream is still alive, and my commitment to our nation remains steadfast.”