Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has come under fire after a video emerged online showing him throwing naira notes at his supporters. The footage captured Bago standing on a moving vehicle, tossing money into the air while his followers scrambled to catch it.
This action has sparked outrage among citizens of the state, civil society groups, opposition parties, and religious leaders, who have all condemned the incident. They described the governor’s behavior as “unacceptable,” “wrong,” and “dehumanizing,” claiming it amounted to an abuse of the national currency.
Critics have accused Bago of exploiting the poverty and economic challenges facing the state and the nation to further humiliate the people. Several individuals reportedly sustained injuries during similar incidents of the governor’s “naira rain” across the state, fueling the criticism.
According to Dr. Mohammed Abdullahi Jabi, the North Central Zonal Chairman of the Campaign for Democracy, Bago’s actions could potentially lead to the creation of beggars in the state.
Similarly, Yahaya Ability, the Niger North Zonal chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, condemned the governor’s behavior, attributing it to the failure of his advisers to offer proper guidance.
Alhaji Umar Danladi Abdulhamid, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, accused Bago of violating the nation’s constitution with his actions. Meanwhile, some residents expressed disappointment over the governor’s treatment of the people, asserting that they did not elect him to be treated like beggars.