Laleye Dipo in Minna
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Niger North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Alhaji Yahaya Ability, has told Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to rescind his decision to construct a new Niger State Government House, describing the planned project as “a wasteful venture”.
Ability said in a statement made available to journalists in Minna that the proposed construction of a new Government House behind Zuma Rock by the administration of Governor Bago is a “scam” as well as “an avenue to squander taxpayers’ money”.
He noted that instead of the governor prioritising projects that would improve the welfare of citizens and ease their economic hardships, the administration has focused on what he described as “luxury projects and self-glorification at the expense of critical infrastructure.”
Ability also cited the ongoing construction of flyovers in Minna, which he said remains uncompleted, as well as several abandoned 5-kilometre road projects across the state’s local government areas, describing them as a “national embarrassment”.
He also expressed concern over what he described as “the deteriorating state of education and other critical infrastructures under the current administration” as well as non-payment of pensions and gratuities before decrying the worsening insecurity, particularly in the Niger North Senatorial District, where he said bandits attacks have displaced many farming communities.
Ability therefore questioned the rationale behind the proposed Government House project, asking how such an initiative would improve the lives of Nigerlites, especially displaced farmers now living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
He maintained that key sectors of the state’s economy are “bleeding” under the present administration, insisting that pensioners and other vulnerable groups continue to bear the brunt of what he described as poor management of public resources.
Ability called on the people of Niger State to use the opportunity provided by the 2027 general election to “elect leaders committed to transparency, accountability and people-centred development” adding that the state deserves leadership capable of changing its development trajectory.
