By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has inaugurated the 10th Assembly of the state, with a call for close synergy among the three arms of government.
In his goodwill message at the inauguration ceremony held at the State Assembly Chamber, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, said it was his belief that the 10th Assembly will conduct itself in an atmosphere of dedication and service to the people which will guarantee the culture of cordial relationship existing between the three Arms of Government in the state.
He reminded the legislators that it was their constitutional responsibility to make effective laws, repeal where necessary and enact new ones, appropriate funds and carryout effective oversight functions so that good governance ethics can be enshrined to enable them deliver on their campaign promises to the people.
The Governor who was a three term former federal legislator, said he was aware that the challenges before the state legislators might be enormous and herculean, but assured them that they were surmountable if they cultivate the right attitude, dedication and always consider the interest of their people first.
He also urged the legislators to pursue agendas that are people-oriented rather than personal and political agendas, adding that they should always share with the executive, the needs of their people and not to relent in drawing the attention of the executive on any issue that requires their inputs.
The Governor also assured the legislators of the executive arm's support to carry out their legislative responsibilities and also urged them to concentrate on their constitutional duties of law making, appropriation, exposing corruption and inefficiency in the management of public funds and oversight functions.
"Hon members elect, distinguished invited guests, it is pertinent for me to point out here that the legislative function is not only limited to law making and oversight functions, but your role guarantees the legitimacy and credibility of democratic governance.
"It is worthy of note that, a Legislator can only donate projects to his constituents as personal contribution to the development of his community, but it is not his duty to be directly involved in executing such constituency projects.
"This often leads to misunderstanding with the Executive Arm of Government, therefore, in this new administration, we all need a change of attitude in doing our jobs, so that we would be able to deliver on our expectations to the people," the Governor observed.
While congratulating members of the 10th Assembly, Governor Umar Bago also wished them success in their legislative responsibilities, and looked forward to a mutual working relationship with them for the benefit of Nigerlites.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Chief of Staff to the Niger State Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, has said that he was at the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal (EPT) to challenge the mandate given to him by his Constituency at the February 25, National Assembly Elections.
He said his Constituency and his party the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), took the matter to the tribunal challenging his stolen mandate by the People's Democratic party (PDP) candidate Hon. Joshua Gana,
Speaking with Journalists shortly after testifying before panel two of the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal headed by Justice Godspower Agwuna, at High court Complex in Minna Monday, the Chief of Staff reiterated that he will pursue his stolen mandate at the tribunal in a civilized way.
"My constituency and my party, the APC, felt that the mandate was stolen by the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP). I'm pursuing the mandate in a very civilized way.
"And they have approached the tribunal to reclaim the stolen mandate that they collectively gave me during the election conducted on the 25th of February, 2023," he told Journalists.
Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi had approached the three-member National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal led by Justice Godspower Agwuna through his counsel Johnson Jacob Usman SAN, to challenge the election of Joshua Audu Gana, of the PDP.
Gbatamangi in his petition, claimed that he won the lawful votes of Edati Lavun and Mokwa at the February 25, National Assembly Elections and sought the tribunal to upturn the election and declare him the rightful winner.
According to the Chief of Staff, "the election of the People's Democratic Party candidate recorded with a lot of malpractices: ballot stuffing, over-voting, and so many irregularities, and my people felt that their mandate was stolen and they approached the tribunal to reclaim their mandate".
Joshua Gana, the son of the former minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana of the opposition Peoples Democratic party (PDP), was declared winner of the election.
He contested and floored the plaintiff, Usman Gbatamangi, who was just sworn in as the Chief of Staff to Hon Mohammed Umar Bago Governor of Niger State, said he will be declared the rightful winner of the election to represent the good people of Edati, Lavun and Mokwa Federal Constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
However, the case has been adjourned to June 14, for more witnesses to appear to give evidence.