Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has warned opposition figures and members of the ruling party against actions capable of causing division within the state, declaring that anyone found sabotaging his administration will be arrested and prosecuted.
The governor issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting, where he accused some former beneficiaries of the ruling party of turning against the government despite allegedly engaging in financial misconduct in the past.
According to Bago, his administration is aware of the alleged actions of some individuals but had previously chosen not to pursue them. He, however, said the government would no longer tolerate attempts to undermine the party or his administration.
“Do not allow anyone to cause divisions among us; we are the ruling party. We know what some people have done, and if they continue to misbehave, we will reopen their files, arrest them, imprison them, and strip them of their status,” the governor said.
He also dismissed claims by an unnamed opposition figure who allegedly boasted of influencing public opinion against the government, describing the remarks as baseless.
Bago maintained that his administration is fully aware of the alleged damage caused by some political actors in the past and warned that blackmail and public insults would no longer be tolerated.
The governor further cautioned political sponsors against using young people to attack him on social media, saying those involved would be held accountable.
“Even the youths you send to insult me on social media, by God, I will not let them slide. This should serve as a clear warning,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Bago said the infrastructure projects being executed in Kontagora are unprecedented in the state’s history. He announced that another major project would be inaugurated in the town on Monday and warned against any attempt to disrupt the event.
“If you want to be envious, keep being envious; it will not stop us from doing what we need to do,” he added.
The governor also appreciated party members for their continued support and disclosed that plans were underway to distribute vehicles to party faithful, with details of the programme to be announced by the party chairman.
Bago concluded his remarks by paying tribute to his late friend, Jafar Iliyas Awuna, who contested and won an election alongside Shehu Usman before his recent death. He said Awuna’s passing serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of life and the importance of leaving behind a meaningful legacy.
