Kaduna Probe and Unfounded Attack On Shizzer Bada 

In recent days, the media has been misled by erroneous content from the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-hoc Committee, which investigated the administration of Governor Nasir El-Rufai from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2023. The Committee’s path led them to make unfounded allegations against the former governor and other members of his administration, including the current Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Mrs. Shizzer Nasara Bada, a dedicated and hardworking public servant.

The attempt by the Committee to escalate the attack on the first female Commissioner for Finance in the state has drawn public scrutiny and criticism. Their actions are considered dangerous to our democracy, personal, and baseless. Such conduct is far removed from the ideals of a civilised legislature, which should focus on creating legislation for the state’s development.

Their intent is not only to attack her personality but also to question her professional competence and undermine her career, to instigate a change in leadership at the ministry. This behaviour reflects a fear of women who have excelled in traditionally male-dominated roles, perpetuating outdated and discriminatory attitudes.

The tactics used are typical of propaganda, infused with “conspiracy theories” designed to erode public confidence in an individual’s abilities. This involves making dishonest assertions, presenting treacherous fallacies to damage reputations, and using their official positions to intimidate, much like Pharisees.

They frame accusations to make the target appear guilty of misconduct, while in reality, they are the ones guilty of compromising their integrity to conceal their misdeeds and conspiracy.

Do not be discouraged by these false accusations, our dear Hon. Commissioner for Finance. The threats directed at this “woman of steel,” who has consistently faced risks in performing her duties as an accomplished public servant, will ultimately fail. Mrs. Bada has adhered to the principles that have long guided her professional conduct throughout her career as evident in her records of service overseas.

Her career spans many decades, managing human and capital resources across various fields in both private and public sectors without blemish. At the Royal Bank of Scotland (UK), Nehemiah Housing Projects (UK), O2 UK Ltd, and Oasis International Centre, UK, she served with integrity and received commendations. These international experiences prepared her for significant roles back home at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), etc.

Mrs. Bada was called to serve the state government due to her extensive national and international experience and connections. In every agency she worked, her expertise was profoundly impactful. Her appointment as the first female Accountant General and subsequently the first female Commissioner for Finance earned her numerous awards and recognitions to the state.

No one is against probing the previous administration’s tenure, but it must not be done with the clear objective of smearing the hard-earned reputation of a public administrator who has served her state and nation meritoriously. The probe, though hastily presented, seems inconclusive and targets select officeholders while shielding others who are still serving.

Professionals have questioned the duration of the exercise, which was completed in a short period. In reality, could two months have been sufficient to investigate an eight-year administration and produce realistic findings, especially by those who are not forensic experts?

As the press statement signed by four former commissioners on behalf of others in the Nasir El-Rufai administration noted, the Ad-hoc Committee’s report was influenced unfairly against some people, including Mrs. Bada. The consequence is the uproar it has generated.

The unfounded attacks against the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Mrs. Shizzer Nasara Bada, must stop. As a woman and mother who carries the responsibility of coordinating the state’s fiscal policy, the least our legislators can do is create laws that support her many positive innovations in the ministry. The distractions provoked by the report are unnecessary.

Richard is an Abuja-based public affairs commentator