— Says minister should focus on probe, mining sector
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Peter Obi Media Office has criticised the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for engaging in political exchanges with the former Anambra State governor instead of focusing on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri, on Monday, the media office accused Alake of using the issue of Peter Obi’s record in Anambra State as a political distraction.
The group’s criticism comes amid investigations into the deaths of the 37 suspects, who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, after they were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in Niger State.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the arrests, detention and circumstances surrounding the deaths. Twenty NSCDC officers, including the Niger State commandant, have also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Alake had separately deployed a team of officials to Niger State to investigate the incident and establish the facts surrounding the deaths.
Reacting to Alake’s comments on Obi, the media office said the minister should focus on questions arising from the deaths and broader regulation of the mining sector.
“For us in Peter Obi Media, there is a tragic irony in watching high-ranking public officials prioritise political posturing over executive accountability,” the statement said.
It asked: “Who authorised the operation? What safeguards were in place? Who failed? And who will be held accountable?”
The group argued that the deaths had raised concerns about safety, regulation and enforcement in the solid minerals sector, and urged the authorities to address those issues.
According to the statement, the incident should prompt stronger action against unsafe and unregulated mining operations and better protection for young Nigerians involved in artisanal mining.
The media office also accused Alake of devoting excessive attention to Obi’s political record.
“Minister Dele Alake appears more eager to trade political barbs regarding Peter Obi and past state governance records,” it said.
The group urged the minister to prioritise reforms in the solid minerals sector, including measures to curb illegal and unsafe mining activities.
It further called for accountability following the deaths, while stressing the need for a mining sector based on safety, effective regulation and sustainable development.
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