Press Release: Warrah Boat Mishap: Malami, Bagudu, restate commitment to find plausible solutions

As more condolences and commiserations have continued to pour in sequel to the recent tragic boat mishap in Warrah, Ngaski local Government of Kebbi State, both the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, SAN, as well as as the Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, have restated commitment towards finding plausible solutions to the recurring incidents.

The duo jointly spoke on Sunday, in Birnin Kebbi, when Malami paid his condolence and commiseration visit to the people and Government of the state ,over the unfortunate incident that led to the deaths of over one hundred persons, penultimate Wednesday.

Malami while expressing his condolences said :" We appreciate the efforts of the Governor in this direction and i am hereby reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government, towards forming a workable collaboration, to provide plausible solutions to the problem.

The minister called for greater and further concern on the issue from all stakeholders.

" The Federal Government will do everything it takes, to collaborate with the Kebbi State Government, in this direction of bringing about a workable collaboration towards finding lasting solutions to the unfortunate situation."

The Minister further noted that, Bagudu, had hitherto, been making efforts in terms of raising a Team of Consultants ,to review the whole situation, just as he has been tangibly committed to the development of the water transport sector in the state .

He also recalled that, a lot of policies have been developed at the instance of the Governor, adding," this saddening experience has further boosted the efforts of the state and its commitment towards finding lasting solutions to the problem.

" As far as water transportation is concerned, it is a collective responsibility , the Federal and state Governments, as well as all the agencies have roles to equally play ."

Malami said that, the efforts of the Governor have been consolidated with the appointment of the pioneer Managing Director of Hydro-Power Electricity and Dams Development Authority.

The Minister added that, the Governor had also been involved in further engagements, to ensure that, efficiency is brought into the system.

He among other things, expressed his " exceptional condolences," on the deaths of the victims, saying, " we share your grief and that of the people and Government of the state ."

Responding, Bagudu, also condoled the Minister on the tragic incident , as reliable and capable son of the state, who is a worthy Ambassador.

Bagudu also corroborated Malami, in appreciating the kind gesture of President Muhammadu Buhari, for calling him and the Emir of Gwandu, to commiserate with them on the tragic boat mishap .

Bagudu again described the incident as a major national tragedy, adding, " and Mr President is treating it like that."

The Chairman of the Progressives Governors' Forum also expressed optimism that, Malami would ensure that, the Federal Government supports measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents in the state and other parts of the country.

Bagudu also stated that, due to the efforts of the Minister, a son of the state , Abubakar Sadiq, Katukan Yauri, was appointed as the Managing Director of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC)" which has been long in the work and abandoned, but ,it was brought back to life by President Buhari."

He stated that, the Commission, will among others, work to combat all the challenges that befell all the places where dams were constructed .

Bagudu further noted that, even before then, Buhari had directed the National Inland Waterways Agency, to reduce obstacles in the River Transportation system.

The governor also commended myriad of development feats recorded by the Federal Government in the state ,like the completion of the hitherto abandoned Sokoto to Kontagora road and the Yauri Electricity Sub station, among others .

Bagudu also disclosed that, the state would collaborate with the Federal Government and other Agencies, to buy modern boats for the commercial operators, to make their activities safer.

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI,
Special Adviser (SA) to Kebbi State Governor
30/5/2021