The Freelance Journalist Federation (FJF) has expressed confidence in the committee investigating the reported deaths of 37 miners in Niger State, urging the public to allow the panel to conclude its assignment without undue pressure.

The federation’s position followed threats by the Nigeria Diaspora Organizations and Community for Human Rights (NDOCHR) to stage a protest at the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja over alleged delays in releasing the investigation’s findings.

FJF in a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by FJF conveners Ibrahim Ali, Jonathan Modi, Okpara Isaac and Christopher Abah, described the investigative process as transparent and thorough, insisting that sufficient time should be allowed for the committee to complete its work and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The federation criticised the proposed demonstration, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated, while warning against actions that could heighten tensions over an issue involving the loss of human lives.

It also commended the leadership of the NSCDC, the Minister of Interior and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as their commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

According to the FJF, local civil society organisations monitoring the proceedings have expressed satisfaction with the panel’s conduct. However, the federation maintained that the investigation should be allowed to run its course before conclusions are drawn.

The group also rejected calls by the diaspora organisation for the immediate removal and prosecution of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, describing the demands as premature and inconsistent with the principle of fair hearing.
It argued that calls for sanctions before the conclusion of the investigation could undermine due process and prejudice public perception of the committee’s work.

The NDOCHR had also threatened to petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over the matter. In response, the FJF maintained that Nigeria’s domestic legal and investigative institutions should be allowed to address the allegations through established procedures.

The federation urged Nigerians in the diaspora to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could inflame political tensions or interfere with the ongoing investigation.

It urged members of the public to remain calm and await the committee’s official findings, stressing that a thorough investigation was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and determine any responsibility arising from the incident.
The committee’s final findings and any subsequent official actions are expected to be central to resolving the concerns surrounding the incident.

The statement further called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to take appropriate steps to maintain public order in the Federal Capital Territory.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has lamented what he described as the multidimensional poverty confronting residents of the state, citing poor schools, bad roads, a weak healthcare system and high youth unemployment.

Ombugadu stated this on Tuesday during his campaign rally in Keana Local Government Area, where he outlined his development priorities and promised to address the challenges if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.

He argued that the condition of public infrastructure, inadequate access to quality healthcare and education, and the high number of unemployed youths had compounded the difficulties facing residents, insisting that the state needed a development approach that directly improved the people’s living conditions.

The PDP candidate said his administration would prioritise road infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment generation, with a focus on communities whose development needs had remained pressing.

He also promised to promote tourism by reviving traditional festivals and exploiting the state’s cultural heritage to create economic opportunities for residents.

Ombugadu specifically pledged to revive the Arago Fishing Festival and other traditional fishing festivals, saying the initiative would help attract visitors, promote local culture and stimulate economic activities in host communities.

He said tourism could become an important source of income and employment if the state’s cultural attractions were properly developed and promoted.

On road infrastructure, the governorship candidate promised to improve connectivity between communities in Nasarawa State and neighbouring states, including Plateau, Taraba and Benue.

He explained that the proposed roads would enable communities separated by state boundaries to reconnect with their kinsmen, while facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods.

Ombugadu cited communities with cultural, family and economic ties across state boundaries, including Tiv communities in Awe Local Government Area, arguing that improved road networks would strengthen those relationships and expand commercial activities.

He described the proposed projects as part of a border-community development policy intended to reduce isolation, improve accessibility and encourage cooperation between neighbouring populations.

The PDP candidate maintained that infrastructure development should extend beyond major towns to rural communities, where poor road networks can restrict access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

He also linked the proposed development agenda to the need to create more opportunities for young people, who he identified as among those most affected by the state’s economic challenges.

Ombugadu urged residents to support the PDP in 2027, presenting his proposed interventions as a pathway towards improving living standards and addressing the development challenges he highlighted at the rally.

From Zwanke Zwanke, Lafia

Job creation for youths and support for women-owned businesses have emerged as key promises of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State as the party begins its campaign tour ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The party made the pledge on Monday in Awe Local Government Area, where its governorship candidate, Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, and other candidates commenced the local government campaign tour.
The Acting Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Mr Mark Ogbole, said a PDP administration would create employment opportunities for young people and support women in business to improve household incomes and economic security.
He said the party was seeking the people’s mandate to serve them and address their concerns, rather than abandon them after winning elections.
Ogbole said the decision to begin the campaign in Awe reflected the party’s intention to conduct a peaceful campaign across Nasarawa State.
Earlier, Ombugadu promised to prioritise security and infrastructure development if elected governor in 2027.
He said residents, particularly farmers, must be able to access their farms and pursue their livelihoods without fear of attacks, adding that security would be the foremost priority of his administration.
On infrastructure, the PDP candidate pledged to construct and rehabilitate roads linking communities within the state and improving connections with neighbouring states.
He specifically mentioned the road linking Akiri to Plateau State and routes connecting Nasarawa with Benue, Taraba and Plateau states.
Ombugadu also promised to pursue the proposed Wuse-Taraba road link and other rural roads to improve transportation, facilitate trade and open up communities for economic activities.
He said his administration would develop local tourism, citing the Hunkuyi Fishing Festival and Awe Hot Spring as attractions with the potential to generate revenue and create employment opportunities for residents.
The candidate assured the people that the development plans and campaign promises presented in 2019 and 2023, alongside those being made ahead of the next election, would be implemented if he secured the mandate.
The state PDP Chairman, Dr Daniel Gimba, described the campaign flag-off as a demonstration of the party’s determination to provide what he called purposeful leadership and address the hardship facing residents.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would win the election overwhelmingly if the process was not rigged.
“Today is a historic and remarkable day. We have chosen to start our local government tour, marking our victory coming in 2027 by the grace of God. 2027, there is no going back,” Gimba declared.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Nasarawa South, Dr Mike Omeri, thanked party members and supporters for their confidence in the candidates.
“Together with you, we will campaign to win the election, and we will win this election,” Omeri said.
Editorial distinction
Version 4 approaches the campaign from the perspective of tourism, investment and alternative revenue generation.
Version 5 focuses on employment, women’s economic empowerment and social welfare, while retaining security and infrastructure as supporting issues.
My recommendation: Use Version 4 for a development-focused political report and Version 5 for a separate story on the PDP’s proposed social and economic agenda.