Need for the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to Look Deeply into the Reappointment of Some Special Advisers Based on Merit and Competence
By Yakubu Mustafa Bina
On 16 December 2025, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago took another bold step in his administration by announcing the dissolution of the appointments of all his Special Advisers. This announcement was made during a historic maiden State Executive Council meeting, attended by the newly appointed Commissioners.
In a statement issued late that day, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, disclosed that Governor Mohammed Umar Bago had dissolved the appointments of all Special Advisers as part of efforts to restructure governance.
These decisive actions—from the cabinet level to the Special Advisers—have distinguished Governor Bago from his predecessor and immediate past governor of the state, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello. Governor Bago has demonstrated fearlessness, unpredictability, ambition, and an uncompromising attitude in doing what he believes is best for himself, his administration, and Niger State as a whole.
Many Nigerlites were caught unawares by the sudden decision. According to the Governor, the termination of their appointments was intended to enable him to reorganize and reposition the portfolios of the Special Advisers, to make them more effective and efficient in line with his New Niger Agenda. However, questions remain as to how far this restructuring will go, especially when considering competent, dedicated, committed, result-oriented, and highly experienced appointees such as the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Strategy, Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo, and the Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo, among others.
Although Governor Bago appreciated the affected Special Advisers for their sacrifices and contributions to the success of his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours, it is uncertain how comforting such appreciation was to them. Many had prepared to serve for at least four years or more. The sudden removal was shocking not only to them but also to the newly appointed commissioners.
This action has further underscored the Governor’s leadership style—where every appointee is allowed to serve, but relief from office can come at any moment. This reality underscores the importance of diligence and productivity, as there is no time to spare. Only God Almighty knows how many times such changes may occur before the end of his administration.
Surprisingly, during the recent swearing-in ceremony of newly elected local government chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, commissioners, and board members at the Government House in Minna, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago openly advocated for a single-term tenure for governors. He argued that such a system would promote productivity and enhance governance.
According to the Governor, he would have taken stricter actions against some officials if not for considerations related to his second-term election. He noted that a single-term system would allow leaders to act more decisively without political pressure, lamenting that “everything in Nigeria is filled with politics.”
Governor Bago further stated that there are individuals who have repeatedly failed exams and have become burdens on the system, but cannot be removed due to electoral considerations. He maintained that under a single-term system, he would have been far more decisive than he currently is.
In this context, Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo remains a valuable asset that no serious government should easily overlook. He has consistently been the voice of the government whenever critics are on the rampage—defending, responding to, refuting allegations, and promoting government policies and programs. He has diligently projected the Governor and the state government in a positive light while communicating clearly to the public. His efforts have earned him commendations from radio callers and members of the public, and such dedication deserves appreciation, commendation, and reward, just like that accorded to commissioners, board chairpersons, and other appointees.
Reappointing hardworking individuals who have demonstrated high competence, delivered tangible results, shown proven integrity, and projected the image of the government positively should be encouraged. This position is not about lobbying for any individual but reflects the reality that many Nigerlites can attest to through verifiable facts and figures on the ground. The truth must be said, no matter how bitter, like a saying – “Truth is bitter and when told it gladdens the minds of the majority to the detriment of a few”.
Taking the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Strategy, Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo, as an example, his performance has gone beyond expectations in projecting the image of his principal and the state government. He has consistently exposed himself to criticism on social media and conventional media platforms, appearing on various programmes and sponsoring informative write-ups in print media to defend and project government activities. Such commitment deserves recognition.
Abdulbaqy is a seasoned digital media professional who continually improves and adapts to emerging challenges. The Niger State Government should not afford to lose such a productive, experienced, and dedicated appointee whose record remains free from any negative tendencies that could undermine government efforts.
Moreover, as a former Director-General under the immediate past governor, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, and later Special Adviser to Governor Bago, Abdulbaqy has built the capacity to address contemporary media challenges, particularly in the digital and social media space. A graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo has acquired the requisite knowledge to carry out his responsibilities diligently. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
While no individual can be judged as perfect, Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo has consistently demonstrated above-average performance and remains proactive in his duties. For strategic reasons and in the interest of the administration, he deserves reappointment to strengthen further the government of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in Niger State.
That is a Commentary written by Yakubu Mustapha Bina, a Journalist and Analyst from Minna, Niger state, who examines the Need for the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, to Look Deeply into the Reappointment of Some Special Advisers Strictly Based on Merit and Competence, Devoid of sentiment.
yamustibina@gmail.com
