Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has faced criticism after a video surfaced showing him directing his security aides to physically confront an Islamic cleric during a public gathering.
In the video obtained by Drivetvnews, Governor Bago is heard instructing his aide to “slap” the cleric, saying, “Slap him, very well. I said slap him. Go and arrest him. Deal with him well-well.” Following this, he used a Hausa idiomatic expression interpreted as asserting his authority.
The cleric, who was kneeling, was subsequently pulled away from the gathering by a security operative believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS). Witnesses at the scene reacted with laughter as the governor gave these orders.
The specific reason for the cleric’s treatment remains unclear, though reports suggest it stemmed from a disagreement over his participation in the event, possibly regarding the closing prayer which the governor opposed.
Social media erupted with condemnation following the incident. Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, criticized the governor’s actions, stating, “A governor who has sworn to serve the people is ordering a security agent to assault the same citizen he has sworn to serve.” He highlighted the irony of security personnel exerting force on a kneeling man.
Similarly, @greatjoe01 on Twitter expressed concerns over abuses of power by governors and questioned the need for state policing under such circumstances.
Human rights lawyer Mr. Deji Ajare condemned the governor’s behavior as a violation of the cleric’s rights when contacted by Drivetvnews.
In response, Governor Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, claimed ignorance of the viral video, suggesting he would investigate its origin and contents.
