By Mairo Adamu Mani
The Niger State House of Assembly has called on the Executive Arm of Government to immediately mobilize its manpower and resources through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, or any relevant agency to provide aid and render assistance to victims of a violent rainstorm in Darangi Ward of Rijau Local Government Area.
This resolution was reached when a Motion of Matter of Urgent Public Importance was presented by Hon. Alhaji (Dr) Bello Bako, Member Representing Rijau Constituency. Hon. Bako informed his colleagues that on April 30, 2025, Darangi Ward was hit by one of the worst rainstorms ever experienced in the history of that locality, resulting in the loss of one life and destruction of over 170 residential houses and properties worth millions of Naira.
The affected victims are devastated and helpless, having relocated to other areas to squat with relatives, with many lacking the resources to begin reconstruction of their destroyed properties. Hon. Bello Bako emphasized that unless the Government intervenes, many will be left homeless and vulnerable to the impending rainy season.
ENHANCING PUBLICITY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
In a separate motion, Hon. Muhammad Sani Idris, Member Representing Tafa Constituency, sponsored a motion calling on the House Standing Committee on Information to hold press briefings after every plenary session to enhance publicity of legislative activities.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, urging the Committee to establish a weekly Assembly News Bulletin summarizing key legislative activities, debates, and resolutions.
The mover of the motion highlighted the importance of a well-informed public in a transparent, accountable, and democratic Legislature. He lamented that the press center, established to conduct press briefings, has been dormant since the 8th Assembly, undermining the accurate and timely dissemination of information and limiting public engagement and transparency.
Today’s plenary of the House was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Dr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin -Daji