Dr. Mary Alile, the APC National Woman Leader, has hailed Senator Ned Nwoko’s transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a major political win.

She described the move as a testament to the ruling party’s growing appeal and commitment to inclusive governance in Nigeria.

In an official statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, Alile emphasized the significance of Nwoko’s defection, stating that it underscores the increasing trust in APC’s leadership and policies.

She remarked, “The decision of a distinguished lawmaker like Senator Ned Nwoko to join the APC is a clear testament to the party’s growing influence, strategic direction, and commitment to national development. It also sends a strong message to women in politics that the APC remains the best platform for inclusivity and progressive governance.”

Senator Nwoko, who represents Delta North, was officially welcomed into the APC by the party’s National Working Committee at its headquarters in Abuja.

Alile, a well-known advocate for women’s political empowerment, seized the moment to encourage more women to embrace the APC’s open-door policy and take up leadership roles.

She stressed that female representation in politics is crucial, saying it ensures that governance and policymaking reflect the diverse needs of society.

She further added, “The APC remains committed to providing a platform for women to excel in leadership roles, and I encourage more women to step forward and take up active roles in politics. The era where politics was seen as a male-dominated space is fading, and the APC is leading that transformation.”

Nwoko’s switch to APC is seen as a strategic gain, particularly in Delta State, where the party aims to strengthen its influence ahead of future elections.

With APC continuously attracting high-profile politicians, Alile reassured Nigerians of the party’s dedication to good governance, youth empowerment, and gender inclusivity.

She affirmed that the APC remains committed to fostering policies that create equal opportunities, particularly for women in politics and leadership.

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Jonathan Vatsa, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, has claimed that illegal mining and banditry are among the most profitable activities in Northern Nigeria.

Vatsa echoed earlier remarks made by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who suggested that retired military generals were complicit in the illegal mining operations, particularly in the north.

In a statement titled “I Am Solidly Behind Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Illegal Mining,” Vatsa argued that illegal mining, which thrives in the region, has the full support of retired military officers, political elites, and top business figures.

He criticized the lack of economic benefit from these illegal mining activities, adding that they have significantly contributed to the ongoing security issues in the north.

“Both political and traditional leaderships in the north, including the top business class, are fully aware of this illegal but lucrative activity. Nobody who has a conscience and the fear of God will want to fault Oshiomhole over his comment on illegal mining in the country,” Vatsa said.

“He just hit the nail on the head; it is what everybody is aware of, but people are not ready to say anything about it.”

Vatsa expressed frustration at the government’s failure to address illegal mining in the north while focusing military efforts on curbing oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.

He questioned why gold should not be treated as a national resource similar to crude oil, pointing out that gold is currently more valuable than oil in global markets.

“But unfortunately, the government has decided to turn its back on illegal gold mining in the country and allowed individuals and their foreign collaborators to continue to shortchange the country,” he said.

Vatsa also linked the growing insecurity in the north directly to illegal mining operations, asserting that “What is going on in the north is nothing short of economic war.”

He added, “People hide under banditry to illegally mine gold and other mineral resources across the region, and everybody is aware of this, but there is no political will to confront the situation.”

He recalled a tragic incident in June 2022, when 34 soldiers and eight mobile policemen were killed in an attack at a mining site in Niger State.

Vatsa lamented the lack of government or military transparency regarding the incident.

“This is three years now after that unfortunate incident, but nobody has come out to tell Nigerians the truth behind the killing of those promising Nigerian soldiers and policemen,” he said.

“Who is the owner of that mining site where soldiers and policemen were providing security? Who ordered the deployment of the soldiers and the policemen to the mining site?”

Vatsa noted that the then governor of Niger State, Sani Bello, had banned all mining activities after the killings and set up a committee to investigate the incident, but no further information was made public.

“It is on record that after the incident, the then governor of the state, Sani Bello, banned all mining activities in the state and set up a committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the killing of those soldiers and mobile policemen. But thereafter, nothing has been said about it. This is the tragedy of a nation.”

He challenged the government and military authorities to release the findings of the investigation into the killings, asserting, “Before anybody crucifies Oshiomhole over his allegation, let the government and the military authorities make public the findings of the committee that investigated the killing of these soldiers and policemen at Ajata Aboki mining site in Niger State.”

Vatsa concluded by stating that Oshiomhole’s remarks only reflected what many Nigerians already know. “Our leaders at all levels know those who are behind illegal mining in the country. They are untouchable, and they can make you lose an election as a politician if you go after them,” he said.

He emphasized that unless the government takes firm action against illegal mining, insecurity will continue to rise in the country, noting that bandits often collaborate with illegal miners, targeting farmers instead of the miners themselves.

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