The Nigerian Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) led by its Chairman, Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has paid a solidarity visit to their Niger State counterpart, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, in Minna, over the series of disasters that have occurred in the state, which led to the loss of many lives and property.
Governor Uzodimma noted that their visit was to console their colleague and the people of Niger over the various tragedies that happened in the state, ranging from flooding, tanker explosions, and boat mishaps, displacement of citizens, and leaving some people injured, while others are still in various hospitals.
Uzodimma maintained that the cardinal principle and practice of the forum are to showcase and encourage what binds them rather than what divides them, and that an injury to one is an injury to all.
He said, “Today we are here in our numbers to console with the governor, government, and people of Niger State on the tragic incidents that have happened in the state”.
Uzodimma further stressed that the incidents necessitated collaborative efforts by the government and stakeholders to implement measures that would mitigate such disasters.
He, however, described Governor Umaru Bago as energetic and full of capacity, saying he believes he will deliver if supported.
The PGF chairman used the opportunity to applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening security architecture, infrastructure renewal, and commitment to human capacity building.
He said the PGF is in support of the ideals of the Tinubu administration and will continue to demonstrate good governance in their various states, while encouraging traditional rulers to support the protection of the nation.
In his remarks, Governor Bago appreciated the forum for the visit, saying it is historic and an indication that they are one family.
Bago acknowledged that the state has suffered in various ways in recent times and thanked President Tinubu, security agencies, top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and others for their continued support to the state.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, described the visit as a show of brotherhood and compassion, which he said truly reflects the spirit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, expressed appreciation for the PGF for the visit, which he said will further strengthen the bond of love and unity, and assured the unflinching support of the traditional institutions in the state towards making the present administration successful.
Members of the PGF that were part of the delegation were Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi.
Others include the deputy governors of Kebbi, Abubakar Umar Argungu; Aminu Usman, Deputy Governor of Jigawa; and Idris Mohammed Gobir, Sokoto State.
