By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has said that his administration will be fair and just to all manner of people in the state, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, stated this at the post inauguration Thanksgiving Church Service, held at the St. Michael Cathedral Church, Minna, yesterday.
He revealed that they were at the Church as a follow up to the last Sunday Pre- inauguration Church service, to appreciate God for the successful inauguration and to reassure the Christendom on their commitment to be fair and just to everyone as they pilot the affairs of the state.
The Governor recalled the state CAN Chairman admonition on unity, saying sincerity, patience and trust, were the key ingredients for unity, which according to him if properly applied, will bring peaceful coexistence in our society.
While responding to some of the appeals made earlier by the CAN Chairman, he said his local government area, Shiroro was one of the most hit by insecurity, adding that whenever he hears anyone talking about the security situation in the state he feels that the person was talking on his behalf or on behalf of his people.
He equally observed that security was everyone business and urged people to be security conscience wherever they are and not to relent in praying, believing that with prayers we can surmount our problems.
On the issue of moral decadence in the society which the CAN Chairman appealed for the return of religious studies in primary and post primary schools in the state, he urged CAN to put it in writing as memo to the government and they will do their best to see religious studies back in schools, adding that hardly you find a household today without a child that is giving his parents headache.
On fuel subsidy, he said it was unfortunate that the present government came at a time when budgetary provision for the subsidy had been phased out, saying no doubt some people were using the subsidy to shortchange the nation, but that there should be a better way to address the problem instead of putting masses into untold hardship.
He also disclosed that the Nigeria Governors' Forum is in touch with the Federal government on the issue of the subsidy and that they were expecting a favourable outcome, and appealed to the public to be patient while awaiting the outcome.
On appointments, the Governor disclosed that their appointments will largely be on merit and they will have no time for mediocrity because they want to move forward and will not allow distractions, urging the leadership of CAN to always reach out to the government on whatever they are not clear about and the government will be willing and ready to explain why they did that.
He equally appreciated the leadership of CAN, the Cathedral and all the Christian community for their prayers and support, reassuring them of his administration commitment to govern with the fear of God in their hearts.
Earlier, the state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Dr. Yohanna Bulus in his admonition emphasized on unity, saying if you want peace, you have to work for unity and prayed to God to continue to unite us.
He also reminded the Governor that he is a Governor for all Nigerlites, and appealed to him to look into some of the things bedeviling the people presently, which includes insecurity, which according to him the primary function of every government was the security of lives and properties. He also appealed to the governor to look into the possibility of returning religious studies in our schools and that the current fuel subsidy removal should have a human face, adding that selection of appointees should be done without sentiment.
The CAN Chairman who observed that Governor Umar Bago was the first elected governor to visit the Church despite not being a Christian, said they will continue to pray for him and all the new leaders to succeed because they came at a very difficult time. He also informed the Governor that there was only one CAN Chairman and anything he hears or see without his authorization does not hold water and does not represent the wishes of CAN.
He then appreciated the leadership of Minna Diocese for its support to the pre and post inauguration church programmes. Highlights of the event was the presentation of Congratulatory card to the governor by the CAN and also members of the St. Peter's Cathedral Church, Minna.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Government has warned fuel marketers in the state against hoarding fuel, promising to take decisive action against those found hoarding the commodity.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Yakubu Garba, made this declaration shortly after inspecting some fuel stations in Minna and its environs, Wednesday. He said the essence of democracy was to improve the socio-economic and welfare of the people, but that with this latest development on fuel subsidy removal, things will turn the other way for the people.
The deputy governor disclosed that the move was a directive from Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, to ensure that fuel marketers did not hide under the subsidy removal to cause untold hardship on the masses by hoarding the fuel. He also warned in strong terms that, any fuel station found wanting will be dealt with decisively, as the government will ensure that such fuel marketer's license was withdrawn and sent packing from the state. He disclosed that the fuel subsidy removal policy was in place since about six months before their coming to power, and that they will do everything possible to ensure that they mitigate the pains that will accompanied the implementation of the policy. "Right now all the governors are in a meeting with the President in Abuja, and they will also proceed to Kaduna for Governors' meeting where they will take a decision that will be submitted to the President. "I want to assure all Nigerlites that whatever the outcome of the meeting, Niger state government under the leadership of Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, will make sure that it did something that will cushion the effects of the policy," said the deputy governor.
He equally appealed to Nigerlites to be patient as the governors were doing their best to have a head way, adding that they should not allow themselves to be used by some people to cause any uproar in the state as a result of the subsidy removal.
Speaking to journalists also, the state Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Hon. Adamu Ahmed Erena, said the association was on the same page with the government, but that where the fuel was not available, there would be nothing for their members to sale.
Also, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdulkareem Lafene, declared that they were not in support of the removal of the fuel subsidy, adding that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the labour union will meet soon to take decision which he did not rule out the possibility of a strike action.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied for the inspection by the state Commissioner of Police, the state Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the Permanent Secretary Government House, state Chairman of IPMAN and that of NLC, as well as other stakeholders.