Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, faces criticism after ordering his security aides to physically confront an Islamic cleric during a gathering.
In a video reviewed by Sunday PUNCH, Governor Bago can be heard instructing his aide to "slap" the cleric, adding, “Slap him, very well. I said slap him. Go and arrest him. Deal with him well-well.” He then used a Hausa idiomatic expression interpreted as asserting his authority.
The cleric, who was kneeling, was subsequently dragged away by a security operative believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS), amidst laughter from some attendees.
The reason for the altercation was unclear, although sources indicated it stemmed from a dispute over the cleric’s desire to deliver the closing prayer at the event, which the governor opposed.
Social media reactions were swift and critical, with many Nigerians denouncing the governor’s actions as an abuse of power. Popular skit maker, Debo Adedayo, known as Mr Macaroni, commented, “A governor sworn to serve the people ordering security agents to assault citizens is unacceptable.”
Another commentator on social media, @greatjoe01, expressed concern over such abuses by governors despite the existing federal police oversight.
Human rights lawyer Mr. Deji Ajare condemned the incident as a violation of the cleric’s rights.
When approached for comment, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, stated he was unaware of the viral video.