Progressives Governors’ Forum ,PGF, yesterday visited Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger State over recent tragedies that claimed lives and displaced several residents in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria ,NAN, reports that the delegation was led by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.
Uzodimma said the visit was to sympathise with the government and people of the state following a series of unfortunate incidents, including flooding, a tanker explosion and other disasters.
He said the gesture was in line with the forum’s principle of solidarity and unity among its members.
“This visit is in keeping with the forum’s principle that “an injury to one is an injury to all”, he said.
He said the governors were deeply touched by the tragedies that had recently befallen Niger state such as flooding, a tanker explosion, and multiple road accidents which led to loss of lives, injuries and displacement of residents.
“When we heard of the various tragedies that have happened in Niger ranging from floods, tanker explosions, motor accidents and loss of lives, we have to visit the state.
”It touched us deeply. What binds us together as progressives must remain stronger than what divides us”, he added.
He noted that the forum’s visit was to console the government and people of Niger State, offer prayers, and extend material and logistical support to affected families.
According to him, we resolved to find time to come and see one of our own, to console and support him, and give him encouraging words to ensure that the good people and government of Niger State receive our condolences.
The PGF chairman stressed the need for governments at all levels to strengthen disaster preparedness and put in place preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
Uzodimma commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the the state government and for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, infrastructure development, and human capacity building.
“We at the subnational level, we remain committed to supporting the President’s vision.
“We will continue to demonstrate good governance in our states and work in partnership with the federal and local governments to deliver the dividends of democracy,” he said.
He urged the traditional rulers to continue to pray for peace and stability in the nation.
In his response, Bago expressed appreciation to the forum for their show of solidarity and compassion.
He described the visit as timely and reflective of true brotherhood.
He acknowledged the support of security agencies, traditional rulers and religious leaders in helping the state overcome its challenges.
Bago said the state had suffered from insecurity, natural disasters, and other crises and lauded the support from the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and religious leaders.
Earlier in his welcome address, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to Niger Government, said the visit of the forum was about brotherhood and strength.
“You came at a time when the state has suffered losses as a result of floods, fire incidents and other natural disasters.
“Your presence indeed shows compassion and truly reflects the spirit of our party and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu”, he said.
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, thanked the governors for their visit and show of solidarity on behalf of the people and the eight emirates in the state.
NAN reports that among the governors are Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
Others are the Deputy Governors of Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Niger States.
