Politics

Kogi Assembly halts mining in Omala over environmental, health concerns

Published

2 months ago

May 1, 2025

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.

In response to the motion, the House mandated the Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals to carry out a compliance audit of all mining operations in the state to ensure adherence to national environmental and mining guidelines. It also urged the state government to provide immediate alternative sources of clean water to affected communities.

To strengthen oversight further, the Deputy Speaker constituted a five-member Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the activities of coal mining companies in the affected areas and report back to the house within two weeks.

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Politics

ADC Strengthens Party Structure with Release of State Chairmen Names

Published

6 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step in bolstering its organizational structure nationwide by releasing the names of its state chairmen for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This move aims to enhance coordination and leadership at the state level as the party prepares for future elections.

Full List of ADC State Chairmen:

South-South
Akwa Ibom State: Duke Gabriel Dick
Delta State: Austine Okotie
Rivers State: Ode Lawrence E

South-East

Abia State: Iyke Nwoka
Anambra State: Patrick Obianyo
Ebonyi State: Jennifer Adibie N
Enugu State: Stella Chukwula
Imo State: Prof James Okoroma

North-Central
Benue State: Celestine Orbunda
Kogi State: John Adeli Udale
Kwara State: Adebayo Akadi
Nasarawa State: Musa S. Shuaib
Niger State: Auta Mohammed
Plateau State: Hanatu Garaba

North-East
Adamawa State: Yohanna Shehu K
Bauchi State: Hon. Haruna Hassan
Borno State: Mohammed Bolori
Gombe State: Mallam Danladi Yau
Taraba State: Adamu Hassan
Yobe State: Alh. Kalli Umar

North-West
Jigawa State: Alh. Sanni Mohammed
Kaduna State: Ahmed Tijani M
Kano State: Ungogo Musa
Katsina State: Alh. Usman Musa
Kebbi State: Hajia Hawa Mohammed
Sokoto State: Hon. Umar Farouk
Zamfara State: Alh. Kabiru Garba

South-West
Ekiti State: Adekolu O. Moses
Lagos State: George Ashiru
Ogun State: Otunba Pat. Olufemi
Ondo State: Chief Mrs. Ganiyu Sidirika
Osun State: Charles Idowu
Oyo State: Alh. Yinka Adona
FCT: Yusuf Tijani

Politics

Akpabio removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senate committee chair

Published

22 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the replacement of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations

Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday, announced Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new chairman of the committee.

As a result, Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose leadership of the committee had been uncertain due to her suspension.

Recall that in a minor reshuffle earlier in February, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.

But the Senate maintains it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgement.

Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.

Politics

Ekiti 2026: SDP slams Oyebanji’s performance, APC fires back

Published

1 day ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.

SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.

He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,” Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”

He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.

“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,” he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund” and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.

“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,” Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”

He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.

“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,” The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,” he said.