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.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
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