By Suleiman Abubakar
The Director-General of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Balarabe-Suleiman, has refuted claims of submitting a petition against Dr. Margaret Elayo, a commissioner-designate.
Dr. Elayo, the former Commissioner for Special Duties, Humanitarian Services, and NGOs, was notably absent during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, sparking speculation.
During the event at Lafia City Hall, Governor Abdullahi Sule stated that an issue regarding her confirmation was under review and would be resolved promptly.
A source close to Dr. Elayo, identified as Elayo Confidence, claimed that her absence was due to a petition allegedly filed against her by Balarabe-Suleiman.
The petition reportedly centered on the distribution of palliatives, including charcoal stoves, during an exercise flagged off in October at the Government House in Lafia by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Confidence further alleged that tension had existed between the two officials prior to the swearing-in controversy, as Balarabe-Suleiman had aspired to be appointed commissioner but was unsuccessful, allegedly fueling resentment toward Elayo's nomination.
However, in response to these claims, Balarabe-Suleiman admitted that there was an ongoing issue concerning palliative distribution but firmly denied authoring or submitting any petition against Elayo.
"We (Margaret and I) are currently reconciling data regarding some distributed items, particularly stoves.
No conclusion has been reached, and I prefer to respect the authorities by refraining from further comments," she stated.
Dismissing the allegations outright, she added, "I did not write any petition. I don’t even know how to write one.
