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Niger Speaker Felicitates Christians at Christmas, Urges Patriotism Amid Challenges

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Abdulmalik Sarkindaji

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians across Nigeria and beyond, urging citizens to remain patriotic and embrace the virtues of love, peace, and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus Christ.

In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media of the House of Assembly, Sarkindaji emphasized the importance of reflecting on Christ’s teachings, especially during challenging times for the nation.
Acknowledging the economic hardships currently faced by Nigerians, the Speaker encouraged citizens not to lose hope, reminding them that “there is always light at the end of the tunnel.” He added that even in the darkest moments, light can emerge to bring solace and hope.

Sarkindaji described patriotism as a critical ingredient for national growth and unity, stressing that Nigerians must remain committed to building a better future. “Indeed, God is with us,” he affirmed.

Reacting to the recent tragic stampede incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra, which resulted in multiple deaths, Sarkindaji expressed sadness and described the occurrences as “unfortunate but avoidable.” He called for better planning and coordination during humanitarian outreach programs to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Speaker extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed against a recurrence of such disasters.

Sarkindaji also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to use the festive season to show kindness and generosity to those in need, noting that acts of compassion go beyond financial giving. “Kindness transcends financial status. A smile or a word of encouragement can make a difference,” he said.

He urged citizens to reach out to neighbors, family members, and the less privileged during the season, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or communities, as part of efforts to promote unity and love.

“Let this season of joy remind us of our shared humanity and the need for selflessness,” Sarkindaji concluded.

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Another Gas Explosion Rocks Niger State, Destroys Foodstuff and Vehicle

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Less than three weeks after a deadly fuel tanker explosion claimed over 100 lives in Niger State, another explosion has struck, this time at a gas plant in Sabon-Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area.
The latest incident, which occurred late Saturday night, caused significant property damage but, fortunately, no lives were lost.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the explosion, stating it happened around 11:00 PM at Tasiu Gas Plant, located beside Kalasma Filling Station along the Kaduna Expressway.
According to Director of NSEMA, Alhaji Baba Arah, the explosion was triggered during the transloading of gas from a tanker to the plant’s surface tank. This mishandling led to a fire that engulfed both the gas tanker and the plant.

“The gas tanker and the entire gas plant were completely destroyed by the fire,” Arah reported. “A car belonging to Abubakar Yakubu, parked close to the gas station, was also consumed by the flames.”

The blaze further spread to nearby businesses, including the Ngeil Grains Processing Factory, which was completely gutted. Approximately 550 bags of beans and six bags of suya beans stored at the factory were reduced to ashes, compounding the financial losses from the explosion.

Although no fatalities have been reported, the destruction has left a significant impact on the local economy, with business owners counting their losses.
Alhaji Arah confirmed that emergency responders were able to control the fire before it spread further and that efforts are ongoing to clear the site.

“Thankfully, no lives were lost, and the fire has been brought under control. We are continuing to assess the damage and ensure the area is safe for residents,” Arah said.

This incident has reignited concerns over safety practices at gas plants and fuel depots across Niger State. Residents are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.

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Former Council Chairmen in Niger State Applaud Governor Bago’s Transformation Agenda

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***Pass Vote of Confidence

The Forum of Former Local Government Chairmen in Niger State has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, praising his administration’s remarkable achievements in the past two years.

The endorsement came on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Minna. The visit followed the maiden meeting of the forum’s Niger State chapter, held at the State House of Assembly Conference Hall.
Leading the delegation of over 130 former council chairmen, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, a former Deputy Governor of Niger State and former Chairman of Rijau Local Government, commended Governor Bago’s aggressive transformation efforts across the state.

Ibeto, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, highlighted the agricultural revolution and massive infrastructural projects initiated by the governor as proof of his commitment to genuine development.

“Your achievements are visible for all to see. You have shown leadership, commitment, and a clear vision for Niger State’s transformation. The ‘New Niger Agenda’ is not just a slogan but a reality in progress,” Ibeto stated.

He emphasized that the forum, made up of leaders from various political parties, is a non-partisan body dedicated to humanitarian service, grassroots development, and governance advocacy.

In his response, Governor Bago expressed gratitude for the forum’s support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering impactful projects. He assured them that no ongoing project under his leadership would be abandoned.

“We inherited a state with serious infrastructural decay, but we are determined to change that. After nearly 50 years of existence, Niger State lacked a concrete development plan—something we are now addressing,” he said.

The governor urged forum members to continue supporting the government with ideas and advice, regardless of their political affiliations, stressing that Niger State belongs to everyone.

Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly and former Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, welcomed the forum members and urged them to put politics aside.

“This forum must remain focused on its objectives—supporting governance and grassroots development. We will not allow it to be hijacked by political interests,” he said.

He emphasized the role of former grassroots leaders in driving sustainable development, adding that their collective experience is invaluable to policy-making and governance.

The forum’s meeting in Minna follows its recent national gathering in Abuja, where the national leadership structure was formed. With the endorsement of Governor Bago’s administration, the forum has positioned itself as a key stakeholder in Niger State’s development journey.

Governor Bago’s New Niger Agenda has continued to gain traction, with increasing support from political leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots representatives—a clear indication that the state’s transformation is on the right track.

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Illegal Mining: Niger APC Chieftain, Vatsa Backs Oshiomole’s Claims

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Hon. Jonathan Vatsa,

***Says Illegal Mining, Kidnapping Most Lucrative Business in the North

Demands Government to Release Report on Soldiers, Policemen Killed at Niger Mining Site

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State and former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, has backed former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, over his recent comment alleging that retired and serving military generals are behind illegal mining in Nigeria, particularly in the North.
In a statement issued in Minna on Thursday titled “I am solidly behind Comrade Adams Oshiomole on illegal mining” and made available to journalists, Vatsa described Oshiomole’s remarks as “the honest and religious truth.”
He alleged that illegal mining activities are not only supported by retired military generals but also involve political elites and influential business figures.
Vatsa stated that illegal mining, which contributes nothing to Nigeria’s economy, is a major factor fueling insecurity in the North.
He accused political and traditional leaders, as well as the business class, of being fully aware of the situation but refusing to act.
“Nobody with a conscience and fear of God will fault Oshiomole over his comment on illegal mining. He just hit the nail on the head. This is something everyone knows but refuses to talk about,” Vatsa said.
The former APC Publicity Secretary criticized the government’s double standards in dealing with illegal resource exploitation. He lamented that while illegal mining thrives in the North, generating millions of dollars daily for private individuals without government interference, authorities continue to militarize the Niger Delta over oil bunkering.
“Gold is more expensive than crude oil in the international market today, yet the government has turned a blind eye to illegal gold mining, allowing individuals and their foreign collaborators to exploit the country’s resources unchecked,” he argued.
Vatsa asserted that the ongoing security crisis in the North is closely tied to illegal mining. According to him, criminal groups operate under the guise of banditry to mine gold and other minerals across the region.
“What is happening in the North is an economic war. People are using banditry as a cover to carry out illegal mining, and everyone knows this, but there is no political will to confront the situation,” he added.
The APC chieftain recalled the gruesome murder of 34 soldiers and eight mobile policemen at Ajata Aboki, Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, in June 2022. The security personnel were killed while providing security at a mining site.
Vatsa questioned why the government and military authorities remained silent on the incident.
“Three years after this tragic event, no one has told Nigerians the truth about the killings. Who owns that mining site? Who ordered the deployment of soldiers and policemen there? Why has the government refused to release the findings of the investigation committee set up by the then-governor, Sani Bello?” he asked.
He described the silence surrounding the incident as a “national tragedy” and challenged the government to make the committee’s report public before dismissing Oshiomole’s claims.
“Our leaders know those behind illegal mining, but they are untouchable. If you go after them as a politician, they can make you lose an election. That is the unfortunate reality of our country today,” he lamented.
Vatsa warned that insecurity in the North would persist unless the government takes decisive action against illegal mining. He also alleged that bandits work in collaboration with illegal miners but choose to attack innocent farmers instead of disrupting mining operations.
“Until the government musters the courage to confront this issue, the security crisis will remain. Bandits avoid targeting illegal miners because they operate in synergy,” he stated.
He urged the government to prioritize national interest over personal and political gains, emphasizing that transparency and accountability in the mining sector are crucial to restoring peace in the region.

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