Niger Governor Criticized After Reportedly Commanding Security Personnel To physically Assault Clergyman

Niger Governor Criticized After Reportedly Commanding Security Personnel To physically Assault Clergyman....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State is facing severe criticism after a video surfaced showing him ordering his security aides to physically confront an Islamic cleric during a public gathering. In the video reported by Punch, Governor Bago can be heard instructing his aide to “slap” the cleric and further commanding, “I said slap him. Go and arrest him. Deal with him well-well………. CONTINUE READING 

The incident, which occurred at a public event, captured the governor using a Hausa idiom suggesting his authority. The cleric, who was kneeling down, was then forcibly removed from the gathering by a security operative believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS).

While the specific reason for the altercation remains unclear, sources indicated it may have stemmed from a disagreement over the cleric’s participation in delivering the closing prayer at the event, which the governor apparently opposed.

Public reaction to the governor’s actions has been swift and critical, with many condemning it as an abuse of power. Debo Adedayo, known as Mr Macaroni, expressed dismay, stating, “A governor sworn to serve the people is ordering a security agent to assault a citizen. See security agent flexing muscles on a man already on his knees.”

Similarly, @greatjoe01 on Twitter highlighted concerns over potential abuses with state policing, remarking on the misuse of power by governors even under the federal police system.

Human rights lawyer Deji Ajare condemned the incident, labeling it a violation of the cleric’s rights. Meanwhile, Governor Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, responded to inquiries about the video, stating he was unaware of its circulation and would investigate further.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about governance, security, and the abuse of authority in public office, prompting calls for accountability and respect for citizens’ rights in Nigeria.