Niger Gov Bago stirs controversy, orders assault, arrest of cleric (+ Video)

Niger Gov Bago stirs controversy, orders assault, arrest of cleric

The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has been caught on camera ordering his security details to assault and arrest an Islamic cleric.

The governor gave the order during the 3-day Fidau prayer for the wife of his deputy, Hajiya Zainab Yakubu Garba, who died after a brief illness in Minna on Monday.

The cleric had volunteered to offer closing prayers during the event but Bago got angry over his request.

In the video, the governor while addressing  sympathisers said, “We can all pray for the repose of the deceased from mosques within our areas. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal peace. So, let’s get a cleric to pray for us.”

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When the cleric came forward, the governor became furious, saying, “Did I talk to you? Are you an Imam?”

He then ordered the security personnel to deal with him.

“Slap him. I say slap him very well,” Bago ordered, “Oya, go and arrest him, deal with him very well, and bring him back.”

“Everybody, should be careful with me, because I can be sweet and bitter at the same time,” the governor said amidst cheers and applause from the sympathisers who were seated.

He subsequently passed the microphone to another cleric to offer the prayers.

The governor, it was learnt, also ordered the arrest of another yet-to-be identified cleric.

Niger Gov Bago stirs controversy, orders assault, arrest of cleric