Why I Refuse to Probe Ex-Governor Bello; Niger Governor Bago Says, “I Have All Their Files”
Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago explained why he refuses to investigate his predecessor, ex-Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, saying the decision was made to keep peace in the state.
The governor clarified that there is enough evidence of misconduct and shady deals by the previous administration, but choosing peace was more important. “I have all their files. I know exactly what they did during their time in office; every shady activity and dirty deal is documented.”
He spoke at the Emir’s Palace in Kagara, the headquarters of Rafi Local Government Area, during a sympathy visit to the people of the emirate after a communal clash that claimed over 40 lives.
He was especially upset about the mass defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following the recent primaries.
It’s noted that many former political appointees, including ex-commissioners, ex-local government chairmen, and ex-councilors who served in the previous administration, have defected, accusing the governor of running “a man government.”
On Thursday, Maikil Al -Amin Bmitosahi, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Bello, led a group of defectors under the Niger Rescue Movement (NRM) to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
They claimed their mission was to save the state from mismanagement and poor governance. However, speaking at the emir’s palace, the governor warned all actors from the last administration to “be very careful.”
According to him, “Some of you left the party purely for selfish interests, but you will not succeed in destabilizing his administration. I am the only governor who has chosen to accommodate everybody.
In the previous administrations of late Abdulkadir Kure, former Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, and Abubakar Sani Bello, some of you could not even sit together or talk to one another. Yet under my leadership, I have carried everyone along in the spirit of unity. Still, a few remain ungrateful and dissatisfied with our progress.”
Governor Bago made it clear he will not be provoked by what he called “selfish” actions, emphasizing that some people are pressuring him to investigate his predecessor but that he has resisted those urges. “Some people are pushing me to fight the former governor, Abu Sani Bello, but I refuse. What I want for Niger State is peace, nothing but peace.”
Regarding the recent primaries, which he said prompted the mass defections, the governor stated: “I did not even interfere in the senatorial primaries involving Abu Sani. All I desire is lasting peace for Niger State.”
He further warned he will not tolerate individuals who intentionally try to create crises within the party and destabilize his government.
Bago also took the opportunity to warn social media users in the state that those spreading fake news and malicious propaganda against his administration and the state’s issues will face legal action.
The governor revealed he has already instructed the Department of State Security Services (DSS) to investigate and take strong action against anyone involved in such acts. “Enough is enough. I have already directed the DSS to thoroughly investigate and deal with anyone involved in this dangerous game. Let this serve as a serious warning: your actions will have consequences. We will not allow rumor-mongers and enemies of progress to undermine the peace and development of Niger State,” he concluded.
