The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, was seen ordering his security aides to physically assault an Islamic cleric during a public gathering.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Governor Bago in the middle of a speech when he suddenly turns to one of his security personnel and instructs them to “slap” the Islamic cleric standing nearby. The security aide immediately obliges, slapping the cleric across the face.
Unsatisfied, Governor Bago then demands the aide to “slap him again”, which the aide promptly does, further humiliating the Islamic scholar in front of the gathered crowd. The governor then orders the cleric’s arrest, and his security team drags the man away.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation online, with many criticizing Governor Bago’s flagrant abuse of power and disrespect for religious figures. Critics argue that the governor’s actions go against the principles of Islam, which emphasize tolerance and non-violence.
“This is an extremely disturbing display of power drunkenness by the governor,” said one social media user. “Assaulting a religious leader like that in public is unacceptable and goes against all norms of decency and respect.”
Another commentator noted, “The governor’s behavior is unbecoming of a leader. He should be setting an example of peace and harmony, not resorting to violence against those he disagrees with.”
The Niger State government is yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident. However, many are calling for a thorough investigation into the governor’s actions and for him to be held accountable for the assault on the Islamic cleric.
