Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has revealed why he chose not to investigate his predecessor, former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, despite claiming to possess documentary evidence of alleged wrongdoing during the previous administration.
According to Bago, his decision was driven by the need to preserve peace and political stability in the state rather than reopen old political battles.
“I have all their files. I know exactly what they did during their time in office. Every dirty deal and shady activity is documented,” the governor declared.
Bago made the remarks at the palace of the Emir of Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area during a sympathy visit following the recent communal clashes that reportedly claimed more than 40 lives.
The governor’s comments came against the backdrop of growing political tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State following the party’s recent primaries, which triggered a wave of defections.
Several former political appointees who served under Bello—including ex-commissioners, former local government chairmen and councillors—have left the APC, accusing Bago of running what they described as “a one-man government.”
On Thursday, Bello’s former Chief of Staff, Maikil Bmitosahi, led another group of defectors under the Niger Rescue Mission (NRM) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that they were determined to rescue the state from what they termed poor governance and maladministration.
Responding to the defections, Bago warned members of the immediate past administration to tread carefully.
“Some of you left the party purely for selfish interests, but you will not succeed in destabilising this administration,” he said.
The governor insisted that his administration had embraced inclusiveness unlike previous governments.
“I am the only governor who has chosen to accommodate everybody.
“In the administrations of the late Abdulkadir Kure, former Governor Babangida Aliyu and Governor Sani Bello, some of you could not even sit together or speak to one another. Yet, under my leadership, I have carried everyone along in the spirit of unity. Still, a few remain ungrateful and dissatisfied with the progress we are making.”
Bago disclosed that despite pressure from some quarters to investigate Bello’s administration, he deliberately declined to do so.
“Some people are pushing me to fight the former governor, Abu Sani Bello, but I refuse. What I want for Niger State is peace—nothing but peace,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over the APC primaries, which many observers believe fueled the recent defections, the governor maintained that he did not interfere in the contest involving Bello.
“I did not even interfere in the senatorial primaries involving Abu Sani. All I desire is lasting peace for Niger State,” he added.
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate individuals seeking to foment political instability or create divisions within the ruling party.
He also issued a stern warning to social media users spreading what he described as fake news and malicious propaganda against his administration and the security situation in the state.
Bago disclosed that he had directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
“Enough is enough. I have already directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to thoroughly investigate and deal with anyone involved in this dangerous game.
“Let this serve as a serious warning—your actions will have consequences. We will not allow rumour-mongers and enemies of progress to derail the peace and development of Niger State,” the governor said.