Kebbi, Niger govts move to end boat mishap

From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

Kebbi and Niger State Governments have agreed to purchase modern boats to be used on their water ways and finance the sanitisation of riverine areas of debris to stop incessant boats mishap.
This was disclosed by the Kebbi State Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu yesterday during his condolence visit to Emir Yauri,Dr. Zayyanu Muhammad Abdullahi over the boat mishap that claimed the father of House of Assembly member, Ahmad Aliyu Yauri.
Bagudu who lamented over frequent boats mishap in the two states,Niger and Kebbi, disclosed that he and Governor of Niger state,Alhaji Sanni Bello have visited water ways authority on how government would provide financial support to clear obstacles causing mishaps.
According to him, “myself and Governor of Niger State have visited officials of Inland water ways to seek approval to embark on the project, which was still being awaited “.
While consoling Emir Yauri and his Emirate, Bagudu said “ a committee would be set -up comprising officials of State Government, Local Governments, and Yauri Emirate to purchase the Boats and Canoes to conform with the global best practice in water transportation to avoid further calamities”.
Governor Bagudu informed the Emir that security agencies have been directed to avert any violator who embarks on night travel through the water ways, stressed that all stakeholders must sensitise their people on the dangers of night journey.
He added that, his administration would make more than N150 million available to the contractor handling the Yauri Power Sub-Station and collaborate with Nigeria Army Corps of Engineers to hasten the rehabilitation of the bad portion of Koko-Yauri roads which had been abandoned by the Federal Government contractors.
While responding, Emir of Yauri,Dr. Zayyanu Muhammadu Abdullahi expressed displeasure at frustration over the manner at which federal government officials were handling roads and other projects in in Yauri Emirate despite its huge contribution to the economic development of the country.
The royal father who mentioned Koko-Yauri road to Kotagora road,in Niger state including abandoned Yauri electricity substation,appealed to the Federal Government to direct officials of Inland water ways to clear water hyacinth on the water ways and enforce ban on night journey.