Miners’ deaths: States will do better if given control of mining – Makinde

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The Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for the devolution of mining responsibilities to state governments, saying they would perform better if given greater control of the sector.

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Makinde made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina, against the backdrop of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

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The Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to investigate the identities of the deceased, their arrest and detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

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Makinde said mining was currently on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution and proposed transferring greater responsibility to state governments, while retaining Federal Government oversight.

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He said, “We also want to reset the security architecture in Nigeria. A few days ago, we all woke up to learn about the 37 young souls who were lost in Niger State. Is it their fault that they were born in Nigeria? Is it their fault that they were looking for means of surviving? No, sir. The answer is no.

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“People may not want to take responsibility, but from what has been done so far and the actions that have been taken, we can see that we are focusing on the supply side of things. For every 10,000 illegal miners, you have perhaps another 10,000 on the demand side, legitimising the operation.

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“Right now, the issue of mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List in our Constitution. Devolve that responsibility to the states and let there be oversight only at the federal level. They will do better.”

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Makinde said his proposed administration would seek to review the level of government responsible for making decisions on issues affecting citizens.

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He also said his 2027 campaign would be issue-based, citing the constitutional requirement for the President to transmit power to the Vice President when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.

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Makinde said he had complied with the requirement as Oyo State governor by transmitting power to his deputy whenever he travelled out of the country for more than 21 days.

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He said, “Section 145 of the Constitution provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.

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“If the President is unable, whether through sickness, a medical trip or incapacitation, to function, we are all human. Anything can happen to anybody at any time. If that happens, the President should also transmit power to the Vice President.

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“I promise you that, as your President, I will follow the Constitution to the letter. If I am not going to be available, if I am on vacation, I will transmit power to the Vice President. Record this and hold me accountable.”

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He urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support his proposed “Reset Agenda”, saying his campaign would focus on building a country that works for all citizens, irrespective of tribe, religion or region.

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Makinde said, “And for the election, I maintain and repeat it: it won’t be APC versus APM, or APM versus ADC, or ADC versus NDC. It will be APC versus Nigerians.”

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Speaking at the event, APM Vice Presidential Candidate, Lawal Daura, said the meeting was organised to demonstrate support for Makinde and highlight the desire for change ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Daura identified insecurity and poverty as major challenges facing the North-West and said the party’s proposed administration would provide details of its plans as the campaign progressed.

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APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said the party would prioritise security and normalcy under a Makinde-led administration.

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He added that the proposed government would introduce measures to encourage citizens to make informed decisions and view political leaders as representatives of the people.

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He urged Nigerians not to doubt the sincerity of the party’s political journey, describing its commitment to the 2027 election as genuine, honest and focused on delivering the desired change.

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