From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Barely a month to the second year anniversary of the Umaru Bago  administration in Niger State, the  administration has raised the alarm that some faceless  individuals are orchestrating a sinister move to discredit the new Niger agenda of the Governor.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Bologi Ibrahim has described some Social Media Speculators as being too desperate to discredit Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in the implementation of the New Niger Agenda.

In a statement Bologi, who did not name any group behind the plot, disclosed that a sinister attempt to undermine the efforts of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago towards achieving a new Niger.

He said despite graciously acknowledging the Governor’s doggedness, especially in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and security related successes, some people  he described as Social Media Speculators criticised the Governor for not doing enough describing  the rapid transformation going on in the state as ‘half-baked development’ even as he is barely two years in office.

Mallam Bologi Ibrahim said such unfavorable comments are obviously coming from the hearts of malicious individuals who have deliberately chosen to remain blind to the glaring developmental strides happening in the state.

He said “It is glaring that Niger State is practically undergoing socio-economic transformation, and Farmer Governor Umaru Bago is aware that any meaningful development should necessarily begin with food self-sufficiency and security, infrastructure development, healthcare and education, hence the administration’s focus on these areas”

The Governor’s spokesperson stated that, with an articulated and meticulously followed Development Action Plan, it was ridiculously unfair to think that the administration lacks sustainable policy direction, stressing that the New Niger Agenda is a realistically thought-out idea and that Governor Umaru Bago, with focus and foresight, is bringing it to fruition.

According to him, the Bago-led administration, in the beginning, did not lay claim that it had all the solutions or that its policies will instantaneously bring succor and solve the prevailing problems of the state overnight, as no government does that realistically but surely, “this government has successfully made a fairy tales move that is already yielding glaring results for everyone to see except for the myopic Social Media Speculators.

The Chief Press Secretary noted that, some Social Media Speculators are actually criticising to get noticed, while others are doing so out of mischief as they blindfolded claim not to see the nationally acknowledged state government’s agriculture transformation through the Niger Foods company.

The Governor’s Spokesman noted that the Bago-led administration has been unequivocal in its approach, and is implementing strategic measures to combat insecurity and is always guided by unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its people.

He said the critics and their sponsors have been sulking ever since they saw the government’s genuine desire to transform the state resulting in their incessant campaign of calumny, blackmail, and mischief.

Malam Bologi Ibrahim stressed that the Governor Bago’s administration is tackling economic revival and is dealing with all the components strategically, adding that Nigerlites have been patient and particularly supportive of government’s efforts and are optimistic that a new Niger is truly in the offing.

He said those whose intentions are to orchestrate and or ignite social media storms, petitions, protests and public outrage against this administration, “Have and will continue to fail because the Bago-led administration has proven to be uniquely different and the people are thankfully and fervently praying for its success”

From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has received the report of the Special Committee on Complaints Arising from the Creation and Upgrading of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas in the state from 2015 to date.

The Committee, Chaired by retired Justice Christine Dapup, presented the comprehensive report, based on 382 memoranda submitted by various communities and stakeholders, at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

Justice Dapup in her remarks described the assignment as a critical engagement with the legitimate grievances of the people, following the publication of Gazette Nos. 1 and 2 of 2023.

She noted that the memoranda reflected deep-seated demands for justice, fairness, and recognition, particularly from historically marginalized and suppressed communities across Plateau State.

In her words, “All senatorial districts were actively engaged, and the stories we encountered underscored the urgent need for institutional reforms and capacity building within the traditional governance system. Restructuring the traditional institution is key to strengthening nation-building efforts.” she echoed

Receiving the report, Mutfwang acknowledged the complexity and emotional weight of the assignment, describing it as vital to peacebuilding and reconciliation across the state.

“This was not just an administrative task; It was a deeply emotional and sensitive undertaking that required wisdom, empathy, and a commitment to justice. I commend Justice Christine Dapup and her team for their diligence and integrity in carrying out this crucial task.” Mutfwang stated

The Governor emphasized that although his administration inherited many of these longstanding issues, it is fully committed to resolving them with fairness, equity, and justice to all.

Commenting on the recent violence in Bokkos Local Government Area, the Governor strongly condemned the attacks, labeling them as genocide.

He urged citizens to reject divisive narratives and embrace unity, emphasizing that violence anywhere in the state affects all Plateau people. “This is a time for collective healing and resolve. We must partner together and summon the courage to rebuild.”

Mutfwang assured that the committee’s report would be reviewed objectively, with a White Paper to be produced after wide consultations with relevant stakeholders.

He also congratulated Justice Christine Dapup on her recent appointment to the Police Service Commission, expressing confidence in her continued contributions to national development.

Mutfwang also inaugurated the Planning Committee for the 2025 Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival Chaired by Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, Secretary to the Government of the State.

He highlighted the growing importance of the annual event as both a spiritual celebration and a vehicle for promoting tourism charged them to improve on the maiden edition.

“Tourism is a multifaceted driver of development, spiritual, cultural, health, and sports-related,” he said. “This year, we are expanding the festival’s scope to include a Plateau Marathon as part of efforts to reclaim our identity and redefine the Plateau narrative.”

The Governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting victims of violence and thanked agencies, especially the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for their swift response.

He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern and for directing federal security agencies to act decisively.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity (NAS PC), Ox-Bow Marino Deck, led by the Deck Capoon Timothy Egbonoje has visited the Diete-Koki Memorial Hospital, Opolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with a donation of some Waste bins to help in efficient waste collection and disposal, towards ultimately encouraging safe environment.

The Deck Capoon, Timothy Egbonoje, who led the delegation, handed over the waste bins of different colours and sizes to Head of Technical and Works Department of the Hospital, Daniel Amgbare. Speaking, Daniel Amgbare, expressed the hospital management appreciation to the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity (NAS PC), Ox-Bow Marino Deck, , on behalf of the Hospital Managing Director, for the gesture of donating waste bins to the hospital.He emphasizes that the donation was an area most people or organizations would not easily look at in terms of lending a hand.He also encouraged NAS PC to continue in the good works it has been doing in the society.Earlier, while handing over the items, the Ox-Bow Marino Deck Capoon, Timothy Egbonoje stated that the donation was Deckhands project of NAS PC.He further expressed concerns about the environment and proper waste management in most hospitals and offices around the state.He pledged further interventions to health institutions and other sectors, aligning with the Association’s objectives.NAS PC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and community development.