By Suleiman Yakubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the Agaie Local Government Area held a caucus meeting where they resolved their differences and commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his transformative efforts under the New Niger Agenda.
Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud (Matawalin Agaie), the member representing the Lapai-Agaie federal constituency, briefed newsmen on the outcome of the meeting held on Sunday at the IBB University guest house in Shango, Minna.
He stated that the meeting was a follow-up to Governor Bago’s recent visit to the local government, during which he called for unity among party stakeholders. The discussions focused on the party’s progress, the development of Agaie, and the governor’s efforts to transform the state.
After extensive deliberations, the stakeholders mended their differences and resolved to work as a team to support the governor’s New Niger Agenda. Hon. Mahmud described Governor Bago as a Godsend and an answered prayer for the people of Agaie and the entire Niger State, noting that the governor’s achievements are unprecedented in the state’s history.
He expressed gratitude to the governor on behalf of the people of Agaie for the road construction, agricultural revolution, and hospital upgrades, among other initiatives.
“The Farmer Governor Umar Bago is doing tremendously well. His achievements are unprecedented in the history of Niger State. We, the people of Agaie and the APC, appreciate him immensely for the road construction, agricultural revolution, and efforts to improve our hospitals,” said Hon. Mahmud.
He disclosed that after evaluating the governor’s performance, they were satisfied and content with his achievements, which he described as unprecedented.
The caucus passed a vote of confidence in the governor and endorsed him for a second term, expressing their support beyond the governorship.
“As far as we are concerned in Agaie, he is our governor for eight years, and we will pray fervently for it. He is our governor, and we are looking beyond the governorship,” said Hon. Mahmud.
He also called on the people of Agadez, regardless of their party affiliation, to support the governor’s New Niger Agenda and help build a better Niger State.
Engr. Alfa Abu, a senatorial aspirant in the 2023 general election and a critical stakeholder in Agaie Local Government, said the meeting was successful as it brought everyone together, resolved differences, and aligned their direction.
“We stand by everything the Honourable member said and endorse the governor. If not for the constitutional requirement, we would say there is no need for an election,” he added.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Government has refuted a recent publication by Sahara Reporters, which claimed that the state’s pension debt has risen to ₦28 billion under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The government clarified that the accumulated gratuity arrears have significantly decreased since the current administration took office.
Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, responded to the online media report on Friday, stating that the state’s inherited gratuity liabilities have actually dropped by approximately ₦4 billion.
Describing the allegations as baseless and unfounded, aimed at tarnishing Governor Bago’s reputation, Hon. Mamman explained that eight batches of payments have been made so far, with each batch totalling ₦500 million, amounting to a total of ₦4 billion.
“It is important to note that the current administration has cleared outstanding gratuity payments for retirees from 2003 to 2016, amounting to ₦4 billion. This has significantly reduced the accumulated gratuity arrears,” she said.
The state government spokesperson refuted these allegations, stating that the current administration inherited a total liability of ₦29,387,887,590.42 as of May 2023. The Pension Board has already paid ₦4 billion out of this liability, with payments commencing on July 24, 2024.
Director General of the Pension Board, Alhaji Nasiru Saidu Namaska, urged the media to conduct thorough investigations before publishing reports to avoid misleading the public on pension matters. He disclosed that pensioners in the state are satisfied with the commencement of gratuity payments and are happy with the process so far.
“In eight tranches, ₦500 million was paid in each batch, totalling ₦4 billion. The temporary halt in gratuity payments was due to unforeseen circumstances, but I can assure you that payments will resume soon,” he added.