- * As Lapai Community Reject Commissioner Nominee Over Alleged Past Misconduct In Office
By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Governor of Niger state, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has approved the appointment of 26 more Nigerlites, including the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to former Governor Bello, Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje and an Igbo man, Mazi George Dike, as Special Advisers (SAs).
The appointments, according to a statement by, Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and made available to journalists in Minna, Niger State capital, brings to 30 the number of SAs so far appointed by Governor Bago.
The list includes; Mohammed Nma Kolo, SA Political Matters, Mohammed Bello Mariga, S.A on Legislative Matters, Barr. Manko Bagudu SA on Legal Matters/Government House Counsel, Alhaji Mohammed Nda SA on Economic Matters, Mall Isah Audu SA on Public Service Matters and Comrade Adamu Mohammed Erena, SA on Labour Matters.
Others are; Dr. Isah Adamu SA on Governance & Reforms, Abdulmalik Usman Dakachi, SA on Traditional Institutions, Kabiru Abbas, SA on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Umar Sanda Abubakar, SA on Policy and Strategy, Yusuf Kolo (rtd. CP) SA on Heinous Crime and Substance Abuse, Alqassim Abdulkhadir, SA on Inter-Governmental and Development Partners, Hauwa Bako Mohammed, SA on Social Investment Programme, Ndajiya Abdullahi Nma, SA on Solid Minerals/Bida Basin, Habila Daniel, SA on Ecological Matters.
Former CPS to the immediate past Governor Sani Bello, Mary Noel-Berje, is the SA on Women and Affirmative Action, Ibrahim Mohammed Panti, SA on Ward Development Programme, Mr. George Dike, SA on Inter-Tribal Matters, Hajiya Hannatu Salihu, SA on Girl Education Initiative, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, SA on Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) and Alhaji Baba Ndaman SA on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mohammed Tijjani Wakili is the SA on Security Matters, Abdullahi Suleiman, SA on Sports Development, Dr. Mahmud Mamman SA on Planning and Statistics, Tsalha Mohammed Buhari SA on Sanitation Matters while Remi Makun is the SA on Corporate Social Responsibility.
While congratulating the SAs, Governor challenged them to put in their best to justify their choice which according to him is based on merit and their track record of achievements in their previous places of primary assignment.
“This brings the number of Special Advisers to 30 under the present administration”, the statement stated as he urged them to do their best and bring their wealth of experience for the growth and development of the state.
Meanwhile, the people of Azza community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger state has called on Governor Bago to remove the name of the Council chairman, Alhaji Jantabo, from the Commissioner's list currently before the Niger State House of Assembly.
The community through their spokesperson, Alhaji Kasim Abdullahi Musa said Jantabo while serving as the Council chairman left a very bad precedence hence cannot be trusted to hold higher responsibilities.
Kassim Musa alleged that Jantabo had sacked thousands of teachers, and for several months now he could not employ replacements and as well should be made to account for the council finances while in office.
While calling on Governor Bago to remove the said chairman, Alhaji Mu'azu Hamidu Jantabo and replace him with someone more responsible and trustworthy, the community also want the State House of Assembly not to screen him. NNL.
