By Ayodele Oni
Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, (APM), Seyi Makinde, has advocated for Devolution of power to make states control mining sector.
In his opinion, the Federal Government should retain the oversight function only.
He was of the view that greater control of Nigeria’s mining sector by state governments, will be more effective under a devolved arrangement.
Makinde, who is also the Oyo State Governor, made the proposal on Tuesday at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina.
His call came against the backdrop of the death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause of their deaths.
Speaking on his proposed approach to the mining sector, Makinde noted that mining is currently under the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution, giving the Federal Government primary responsibility over the sector.
“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.”
The APM candidate also questioned the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected miners, saying the incident highlighted broader issues of poverty, unemployment and survival confronting young Nigerians.
“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.”
Makinde argued that tackling illegal mining required attention not only to those carrying out the activities, but also to the demand side that sustains the illegal trade.
“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,” he stated.
He said his proposed administration would review the distribution of responsibilities among the different tiers of government, particularly on matters that directly affect citizens.
The Oyo governor also pledged to comply with constitutional provisions on the transfer of presidential powers whenever the President is unavailable to discharge the functions of office.
Makinde cited Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to perform the functions of office.
“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,” he said.
He added that the constitutional provision should also apply in situations where the President is unable to function because of circumstances including illness or medical treatment.
President Bola Tinubu is currently on three weeks vacatiin, wguch has been extended without transmitting power to tge vice president, Kassim Shettima.
Makinde urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support his proposed “Reset Agenda”, saying his campaign would focus on creating a country that works for citizens regardless of ethnic, religious or regional differences.
He also said the 2027 election should not be viewed simply as a contest between political parties.
“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,” Makinde said.
Speaking at the town hall, the APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, said the meeting was organised to demonstrate support for Makinde and underscore the party’s campaign for political change ahead of the 2027 elections.
Daura identified insecurity and poverty as major challenges confronting the North-West, promising that the party would unveil details of its proposed solutions as the campaign progresses.
Also speaking, the APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said security and the restoration of normalcy would be priorities under a government led by Makinde.
Dantalle stated that the proposed administration would introduce measures aimed at enabling Nigerians to make informed political choices and see elected leaders as representatives of the people.
He urged Nigerians to trust the party’s commitment to the 2027 election, describing its political journey as genuine and focused on delivering the change it seeks
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