Niger gov’t replies Daily Trust over editorial

The Niger State government has responded to the Daily Trust editorial published on Monday, addressing recent events involving Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. In a viral video, Governor Bago ordered his security detail to slap a man who volunteered to offer the closing prayer during the three-day Fidau prayers for the late wife of the deputy […]

The Niger State government has responded to the Daily Trust editorial published on Monday, addressing recent events involving Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

In a viral video, Governor Bago ordered his security detail to slap a man who volunteered to offer the closing prayer during the three-day Fidau prayers for the late wife of the deputy governor, Hajiya Zainab Yakubu Garba. The governor, who was moderating the session, became infuriated when the man attempted to take the microphone to pray, questioning his credentials and instructing his security in Hausa to slap and arrest him. The man immediately knelt down, apologising, before being taken away by security, amid laughter from the audience.

The Daily Trust editorial titled “Bago: Let Temperance Reign” advised the governor to moderate his actions in public, especially regarding the rights of citizens. The editorial highlighted previous instances where the governor’s public behaviour lacked decorum, including the spreading of naira notes.

Responding to the editorial, Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, stated that the governor’s actions were aimed at ensuring sanity during the Fidau prayer. In a release titled “Niger State Government Clarifies Misrepresented Incident at Fidau Prayers,” Wakaso said the governor was misunderstood.

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“The attention of the Niger State government has been drawn to an editorial in the Daily Trust Newspaper of 15th July 2024, titled ‘Bago: Let Temperance Reign.’ This editorial and many other reports not only misrepresent the incident that took place during the three-day Fidau prayers for the late wife of the deputy governor, Hajiya Zainab Garba, but also contain fictitious claims,” the release read.

The state government emphasised that the governor’s decision to ask the individual to leave the venue was to maintain the sanctity and solemnity of the occasion, as the man was not a recognised cleric.

“The governor’s action was based on respect for the deceased and the importance of the event, which should be presided over by an imam or a renowned Islamic scholar; not an unqualified individual. The governor found the man’s act disrespectful and insensitive, leading to his removal by security agents,” Wakaso explained.

The release also pointed out that the individual in question is a long-time follower of the governor, known from his banking industry days and tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives. The man had previously been empowered by the governor but had repeatedly squandered the opportunities given.

“It is worth noting that while some media houses have criticized the governor’s actions, others have understood and supported the necessity of maintaining order and respect during public functions, especially sensitive gatherings like the fidau prayer. 

“The individual involved denied being slapped by security agents and has publicly apologised to the imams and the governor, showing remorse and requesting forgiveness,” Wakaso added.

The statement criticised the media for not giving adequate attention to the man’s apology and remorse, focusing instead on controversy.