From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Barely six days after the bandits massacre on Madaka and Majanjan communities where 66 persons were killed and scores injured, the Niger state house of assembly hailed governor Mohammed Umar Bago for providing security and other achievements through vote of confidence passage.
This came as surprised to many Nigerlites, CSOs who condemned the action and described the state assembly members as a sign of rubber stamp that has lost focus on their responsibility of checkmating the executive excesses.
They urged the lawmakers to refocused on the ideals of the assembly devoid of sycophancy and demining the house for alleged executive favours by derailing from their legislative mandates they were elected to perform.
The North Central Zonal Chairman, Campaign for Democracy, Human Right Advocacy Civil Society of Nigeria, Doctor Mohammed Abdullahi Jabi in an interview in Minna, disclosed that it was a hasty decision and uncalled for as representatives.
Doctor Jabi explained that it is not the jurisdiction of the state assembly to start singing praises at this time government is just about ten months in office that has not started a single project to its completion and commissioned.
He accused governor Mohammed Umar Bago of alleged single handedly awarding contracts without due process of financial rules and regulations hence there were no inputs from the MDAs to allow checks and balances to ensure transparency and accountability in the system.
The governor said the support programme was initiated to give the orphans a sense of belonging especially during festivities.
He commended individuals and organizations who have been providing food to the needy and other vulnerable persons during the Ramadan fast, complementing government efforts.
“This spirit of giving should be encouraged to go beyond the month of Ramadan.
“The importance of such kind gesture is that, it promotes mutual respect and love, and in the same vein, eliminates hatred and envy. Above all, it earns us Allah’s Pleasure” the Governor said.
He explained that his administration places high premium to the welfare of orphans in the state for them to live a normal and dignified life.
“Many orphans are today beneficiaries of government programmes with a special care given to them to pursue education at all levels.
“A very good percentage of orphans have been enrolled and sponsored by the State government to pursue education from primary schools up to tertiary level. Furthermore, many of them were enlisted in the Tsangaya Education System in the State” he further observed.
