Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has explained why his administration has not launched an investigation into the immediate past governor of the state, Abubakar Bello, saying his decision is driven by the need to preserve peace and political stability.
Governor Bago stated that although his administration has documents detailing alleged irregularities and questionable transactions under the previous government, he has deliberately chosen not to pursue a probe in the state’s interest.
“I have all their files. I know exactly what they did during their time in the office. Every shady activity and questionable deal is documented, but I have chosen peace over conflict,” the governor said.
He made the remarks at the palace of the Emir of Kagara during a sympathy visit to the emirate following the recent communal clashes in Rafi Local Government Area that claimed several lives and destroyed property.
The governor also reacted to the wave of defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State following the party’s recent primary elections.
Several former political appointees who served under the administration of former Governor Abubakar Bello, including commissioners, local government chairmen, special advisers, directors-general and councillors, recently left the APC, accusing the Bago administration of operating what they described as a “one-man government”.
On Thursday, the Niger Rescue Movement (NRM), led by the former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor, Mikail Bmitosahi, formally aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move was aimed at rescuing the state from what it described as poor governance and mismanagement.
In response to the development, Governor Bago cautioned political actors from the previous administration against actions that could destabilise his government.
“Some of you left the party because of personal interests, but you will not succeed in destabilising this administration. I am the only governor who has accommodated everyone, irrespective of political differences.
“During the administrations of the late Abdulkadir Kure, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida and Abubakar Bello, some of you could not even sit together. Under my leadership, I have brought everyone together in the spirit of unity, yet some people remain ungrateful,” he said.
The governor maintained that he would not be pressured into investigating his predecessor despite calls from some quarters.
“Some people are pushing me to fight the former governor, Abubakar Bello, but I refuse. What I want for Niger State is peace—nothing but peace,” he said.
Speaking on the APC primaries, Governor Bago insisted he did not interfere in the process, including the senatorial primary involving former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.
“I did not interfere in the senatorial primaries. My only interest is to ensure lasting peace and unity in Niger State,” he added.
Governor Bago warned that his administration would not tolerate individuals or groups attempting to create political tension or undermine public peace through misinformation.
He specifically cautioned social media users against spreading false information and malicious propaganda about his administration, saying security agencies had been directed to take appropriate action.
“I have directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate those spreading fake news and inciting the public. Enough is enough. Anyone found undermining the peace and development of Niger State through falsehood and malicious propaganda will face the full weight of the law,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and development across Niger State while urging political stakeholders to place the interest of the state above personal ambitions.
