Outrage as Niger State Governor Travels for Hajj Amid Security Crisis

 The decision by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, along with Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba and Speaker of the House of Assembly Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, has sparked outrage among state residents.

Reports indicate that the governor and his deputy departed between Sunday and Monday for the annual pilgrimage. This has led to accusations from residents that the governor is neglecting his responsibilities, particularly amid severe security challenges in the state.

Opposition political parties expressed their displeasure, noting that the absence of the governor, deputy governor, Speaker, and many State Executive Council members has paralyzed government activities.

Alhaji Umar Danladi Abdulhamid of the Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) condemned the situation, stating, "I am shocked by the way Governor Mohammed Umar Bago's administration operates without regard for citizens' concerns, despite the current security problems facing the state. Abandoning the state without transmitting power is not a good omen and calls for caution and reversal."

Similarly, Niger North Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Yahaya Ability, criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for violating laws, especially under Governor Bago's leadership. "Governor Bago left for Hajj without remorse, on the same day two military personnel were shot by bandits in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area, while four LGAs (Rafi, Shiroro, Munya, and Mariga) were under daily attack, with scores being killed. The Assembly Speaker, who should receive a transmission of power, also left with the governor, showing the Assembly is a stooge under the governor's control."

Ability further argued, "Section 190 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended cannot be ignored, as it clearly provides for the absence of a governor. Both leaving their seats at the same time is unacceptable." He urged the state's citizens to vote out the ruling APC in 2027 for better governance.

He called for the immediate return of the governor, deputy governor, and other officials to ensure security and adherence to the Constitution.

Attempts to get a response from the state government were unsuccessful. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, did not respond to calls.

Currently, the state appears to be administered by the SSG and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdullah Usman Gbatamagi. However, a government source, speaking anonymously, noted that the governor "can manage the state from any part of the world with the aid of information technology."