From Andrew Ajijah, Jos.
Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, the immediate past member of the House of Representatives for Jos South/Jos East federal constituency of Plateau State, has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’s initiative of donating bags of rice to victims of attacks and killings. He described this approach as inadequate and counterproductive.
“Rather than waiting for people to be killed and then providing them with rice, the government should prioritize providing adequate security to enable citizens to farm and feed themselves,” Hon. Bagos said.
He argued that the donation initiative is an avenue for government agencies to embezzle public funds, and that what people truly need is protection and justice.
During an interaction with journalists on Wednesday in Jos, Hon. Bagos expressed concerns that the bulk purchase of rice for donation has worsened the cost of rice in the market, creating artificial scarcity and negatively impacting low-income earners. He advised the government to invest in agriculture instead, promoting farming and supporting local rice production.
“The government should take the funds allocated for rice donation and invest it in agriculture, promoting farming and supporting local rice production. This will enable Nigerians to produce their own rice, rather than relying on market purchases”
Regarding the ongoing defection of top PDP members to APC, Hon. Bagos stated that he is not involved and is optimistic that PDP will remain a strong opposition party. “As far as I’m concerned, and as a lawmaker, PDP can only collapse on one condition: if INEC comes out tomorrow and says it has deregistered PDP. That’s when PDP will collapse”
On the possibility of contesting the Plateau Northern Senatorial District seat in 2027, Hon. Bagos expressed readiness to serve, saying “if the people want us to look at the Northern Zone in 2027, so be it. We’ll be ready for that assignment too, if the people so desire it.”, he explained.
