Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Igbo community in Niger State has called on Governor Mohammed Bago to appoint an Igbo member to his cabinet, reimbursing their contribution to the state's Internally Generated Revenue. They believe this would align with Bago's promised 'all-inclusive' government and support his son, George Dike, who assured them of his sincerity.

The Niger State House of Assembly has suspended the screening of the commissioner nominees forwarded by Governor Mohammed Bago, decrying the inclusion of “only three Christians” in the 30-nominee list.

The lawmakers described as unfair the inclusion of only 10 per cent of Christians in the list.

The PUNCH reliably gathered that the lawmakers met at the weekend after the Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, summoned an emergency meeting.

The lawmakers decided to suspend the screening of the commissioner-nominees until there was at least 25 per cent Christian representation.

The lawmaker representing Lavun Constituency, Yusuf Dabban, while speaking at the annual state convention of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter in Kutigi, Lavun Local Government Area, said, “Christians and Muslims in the state are one. We (lawmakers) have asked that the list be adjusted.” The list has Elizabeth Shaba from Paikoro, Ibrahim Ijah from Tafa, and Maurice Magaji from Munya, as the only Christians. “When we received the list, we looked at it and discovered that there is no iota of guidance. And we, the lawmakers, especially the principal officers, are already making a recommendation that Christians form 30 per cent or at least 25 per cent of the executive council.