Minna emir urges FG to end banditry in Niger

Emir of Minna, Umaru Faruq Bahago, has called on the Federal Government to intensify the war against banditry in his domain and the entire Niger State in particular.

The monarch said it was the only way his subjects who had been displaced following the nefarious activities of bandits could go back to their homes and continue their farming activities.

The Emir made this remark via a statement by the Secretary to the Minna Emirate Council, Garba Kuta, while reacting to a comment credited to one of his turbaned chiefs, a statement which he said he did not approve.

According to reports one of Emir Bahago’s chiefs, Musa Maikudi had on social media called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify his probe of past leaders and administrations in the country to recover looted funds.

The Emir charged all District Heads and Turbaned Chiefs in his domain to remain neutral and urged them to refrain from commenting on issues on his behalf without seeking his prior approval or clearance.

“Our goal is to see that Nigeria progresses in all areas of human endeavour regardless of who, or which political party is in power in the Emirate, the State, and/or Nigeria,” the Emir stated.

The statement read in parts; “The Emir of Minna, HRH. Alhaji Umaru Faruq Bahagoa has reaffirmed his loyalty and unwavering support and that of his Emirate to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His Highness also urged the President to remain focused in his drive to reposition the economy of the country and not allow any issue to distract him from set goals.”

In the statement signed on his behalf by the Secretary of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Garba Musa Kuta, His Highness restated his neutrality in the politics of Niger State and the country, stressing that as a traditional ruler, he is a father to all and will not take sides with any group or social/political association.

“This reaction followed the widespread social media reports attributed to one of his turbaned chiefs, Hon. Musa Adamu Maikudi (Achaza) the Hadimin Minna, calling on His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intensify his probe of past leaders and administrations in the country with a view to recovering looted funds.

“His Royal Highness said ‘Our goal is to see that Nigeria progresses in all areas of human endeavour regardless of who, or which political party is in power in the Emirate, the State, and/or Nigeria’.

“He charged all District Heads and Turbaned Chiefs in his domain to also remain neutral, urging them to refrain from commenting on issues on his behalf without seeking his prior approval or clearance.

“He appreciated the new war by both the State and Federal Government against banditry and terrorism in the state particularly in his emirate, saying if sustained, it would enable the people to go back to their homes and continue with their farming activities or pursuit of their economic/business engagements without any fear of being attacked or killed.

“His Highness commended the developmental strides of the Niger State Governor, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, pointing out that he (Bago) is already giving Minna and the entire Niger State the much-needed facelift even as he prayed to God to help him achieve his vision for a new Niger State,” he concluded.