Politics
Kogi Assembly halts mining in Omala over environmental, health concerns
The Kogi State House of Assembly has called for the immediate suspension of all coal mining activities in Omala Local Government Area following growing concerns over environmental degradation and public health risks allegedly caused by mining operations in the area.
The decision was reached during plenary on Wednesday after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Hon. Yahaya Umar, the lawmaker representing Omala Constituency. He decried the severe pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and contamination of water sources due to the unchecked activities of coal mining companies operating in the area.
According to Umar, companies such as Rockbottom Mines and Power and Mosra Enerji Ltd have discharged acidic coal waste and toxic heavy metals into the Alugbo River, a vital water source that serves numerous communities including Oloku, Otti, Icheke Ajedibo, Ikeffi, Oliya, and Abejukolo. He stressed that these environmental damages not only threaten human lives but also affect livestock, agriculture, and aquatic biodiversity.
He further lamented that despite being licensed under the Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan to contribute to national electricity generation, the companies have failed to deliver any measurable impact, leaving the host communities without electricity, clean water, or significant development benefits.
Lawmakers who supported the motion echoed similar sentiments. Hon. Jacob Olawumi representing Mopamuro described the situation as unfortunate, adding that Kogi State is suffering from the mismanagement of its natural resources.
The Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin, said the matter was disturbing, especially because it affects human and animal lives, and accused the companies of prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of the people. He emphasized the need to stop mining activities until lasting solutions are provided.
In his remarks, Hon. Idrees Aliyu Maikudi representing Kogi Koton Karfe blamed some traditional rulers for colluding with miners by granting them illegal access to lands, warning that such practices must end. Hon. Yusuf Zakari from Okene II also suggested the enactment of laws to restrict the sale of land to firms with minimal resources or commitment.
Presiding over the session, the Deputy Speaker described the matter as a serious governance issue and warned mining companies across Kogi State to stop neglecting their social responsibilities.
She pointed out that environmental degradation was not unique to Omala but widespread in Ankpa, Ijumu, Ajaokuta, and other parts of the state. She called for proactive steps to be taken before further damage is done to the environment and the people. She emphasized that mining companies must implement enforceable Community Development Agreements and fulfill their corporate social responsibility obligations in line with global best practices.
FCT Minister and former governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, has said that any senator, House of Representatives Member, Minister, or governor who supports betrayers will suffer betrayal in their lives and that such person will join their creator when they experience their own betrayal.
Wike who is currently in a running battle with his godson and incumbent governor of Rivers state, Sim Fubara, said this while speaking at a public function in the state today February 6.
Speaking to the crowd at the public function, Wike said
‘’Wether you are a Senator, House of Reps member, a Minister or Governor, and you support betrayers, people will continue to betray you in life. You see people who betray and support them, betrayal is your portion! Betrayal is your portion! and that day you will not have mouth to say anything and there you will collapse and there you will go and they will announce such person has died because that is the seed you have planted because whatever you plant, you reap and so since you are sowing betrayal, betrayal will always follow you.
Watch! Every governor who is doing his second term and has ambition to put a successor and is supporting betrayals, you will never survive it. Betrayal will follow you. From the day your successor comes in. My own took so many months, your own will start immediately the person has been inaugurated. That is what the gods of the land have told me to tell all of you’’
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Chairman, Policy Manifesto Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, says former president Muhammadu Buhari gave him the shock of his life, six months into his administration as Nigeria’s leader.
Oyegun made this disclosure on Friday when he featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.
He revealed that as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he went to tell Buhari that he was not delivering his election promises to Nigerians but that the late president told him he would not rule with strictness, but rather wanted to show Nigerians that he is a true civilian president.
The former APC National Chairman lamented that it became business as usual, from there.
“I was national chairman of the APC. Six months or less into our assuming office, fairly alarmed, I went to the late President Buhari for a one-on-one talk. I said Mr President, this is not what the people were expecting. They wanted a bit of the old president Buhari.
“And he explained to me, Mr Chairman, I have learned my lesson. I was shocked. And don’t forget at that time, a lot of prominent Nigerians took their holidays abroad, just to be sure and see what this new sheriff in town will be.
“Buhari told me he wants to now show the people that he’s a true civilian president in Agbada. And by the time we finished the conversation, I said Oh God, we are finished. Because, if he’s not ready to be strict, what’s the point?
“Weeks later, months later, years later, I was proven correct. And of course, it became business as usual, only that they are a new set of tenants in Aso Rock. That was a shocker,” he said.
Former lawmaker, Dino Melaye Esq, has raised concerns over the Senate’s reported rejection of the electronic transmission of election results.
The move, according to Melaye, is a clear endorsement of election rigging and an indication of a sinister plan to rig the 2027 elections.
In a statement on Friday, the former lawmaker criticized the Senate’s decision, stating that it undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC chieftain, also stated that the move opens the door for electoral manipulation and fraud.
He further warned that the rejection of electronic transmission of results is a step backwards for democracy in Nigeria.
Melaye called on lawmakers and citizens to stand up against “this blatant attempt to undermine the will of the people and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent”.
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