MINNA, Nigeria – August 25, 2025 – Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has ignited a firestorm of criticism following his controversial claim on Arise Television that there is no hardship in the state. The remarks, aired during a widely watched interview, have been met with widespread outrage from residents, civil society groups, and opposition leaders, who have described the governor’s comments as insensitive, misleading, and disconnected from the lived realities of Nigerlites. The backlash has brought renewed scrutiny to Bago’s administration, with critics accusing him of prioritizing political ambition and self-promotion over addressing the state’s pressing economic, social, and security challenges.
In a scathing open letter signed by Mallam Shehu Abdullahi, titled “Nigerlites Felt Disappointed on Governor Bago’s Outbursts that ‘No Hardship in Niger State’,” residents expressed deep frustration with the governor’s remarks. The letter, which has circulated widely on social media and in local media, criticized Bago for dedicating over 25 minutes of the 30-minute Arise TV interview to discussing the Federal Government’s policies and achievements, while barely addressing the dire issues facing Niger State. The letter accused the governor of demonstrating a “weak grasp of governance” and a “poor understanding of his people’s concerns,” further deepening public discontent with his leadership.
A Controversial Interview Sparks Outrage
The Arise Television interview, intended to showcase Governor Bago’s achievements and vision for Niger State, instead became a flashpoint for public anger. Residents were particularly incensed by Bago’s assertion that there is no hardship in the state, a claim that many described as tone-deaf given the widespread economic struggles, rising insecurity, and unfulfilled promises that have characterized his tenure. Niger State, one of Nigeria’s largest states by landmass, is grappling with a host of challenges, including banditry, unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and the lingering effects of natural disasters like the May 29, 2025, Mokwa flood, which claimed over 300 lives.
The open letter from Mallam Shehu Abdullahi highlighted the governor’s apparent focus on self-promotion and allegiance to the federal government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, under whom Bago served as Director-General of the 2023 presidential campaign. Critics argued that Bago’s emphasis on national politics during the interview reflected a broader pattern of prioritizing his political image over the needs of Nigerlites. “Instead of addressing the daily struggles of our people—hunger, insecurity, and homelessness—Governor Bago chose to sing the praises of Abuja, as if Niger State exists only to serve his political ambitions,” the letter stated.
The timing of the governor’s remarks could not have been more contentious. Just weeks prior, media reports had chronicled the ongoing suffering of survivors of the Mokwa flood disaster, which displaced thousands and left entire communities in ruins. Despite pledges of support, including cash relief of N1 million per household and food items, many victims remain in makeshift shelters, such as schools and community centers, with no clear timeline for the promised housing developments. The letter accused Bago of failing to provide transparency regarding the management of donations, including an estimated N5 billion in federal aid and a N1 billion donation from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The Mokwa Flood Crisis: A Symbol of Neglect
The Mokwa flood disaster has become a focal point of criticism against Governor Bago’s administration. The tragedy, which struck on May 29, 2025, was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Niger State’s recent history, claiming over 300 lives and displacing thousands of families. The floods destroyed homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, plunging already impoverished communities into deeper despair. While the federal government and private donors stepped in with significant financial assistance, residents have accused the state government of mismanaging these funds and failing to deliver on promises of rehabilitation.
According to local media reports, many flood victims are still living in deplorable conditions, with some families forced to sleep in overcrowded classrooms or makeshift tents. The promised N1 million cash relief and food supplies have reached only a fraction of the affected households, leaving many to fend for themselves. “We were told help was coming, but months later, we’re still waiting,” said Amina Suleiman, a mother of five who lost her home in the floods. “The governor comes on TV to say there’s no hardship, but we’re suffering every day.”
The open letter also alleged that Governor Bago diverted attention from the flood victims’ plight to focus on high-profile project inspections across Niger State’s three senatorial districts. These inspections, which reportedly cost no less than N500 million per zone, were seen by critics as an attempt to bolster Bago’s political image ahead of future elections. Residents questioned the necessity of such lavish spending when basic needs, such as shelter for flood victims, remain unmet.
Economic Woes and Mounting Debt
Beyond the Mokwa flood crisis, Governor Bago’s administration has come under fire for its handling of Niger State’s economy. Despite a significant increase in federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, residents say there is little evidence of tangible progress. Between January and June 2025, Niger State reportedly received N148 billion from the Federation Account, in addition to other grants and federal support. Yet, infrastructure remains dilapidated, unemployment is rampant, and basic services like healthcare and education are in decline.
The state’s mounting debt, now estimated at over N800 billion, has raised alarm among economists and citizens alike. Niger State is reportedly the most indebted state in Nigeria, with concerns growing over its ability to sustain salary payments and meet other financial obligations. The National Assembly’s rejection of a controversial N1 trillion loan request proposed by Bago’s administration further fueled public skepticism about the governor’s fiscal management. Residents are demanding clarity on how previous loans and federal allocations have been spent, with many accusing the administration of lacking transparency.
Governor Bago’s self-styled image as the “Farmer Governor” has also come under scrutiny. While he has championed agricultural initiatives as a cornerstone of his administration, critics point out that key promises, such as the distribution of 1,000 tractors commissioned by President Tinubu in early 2024, remain unfulfilled. The 2025 fertilizer sales, intended to boost agricultural productivity, have yet to be flagged off, leaving farmers without critical support. “We hear about billions being spent on agriculture, but where are the results?” asked Musa Ibrahim, a farmer in Kontagora. “The tractors are nowhere to be seen, and we’re still buying fertilizer at exorbitant prices.”
Unfulfilled Promises and Neglected Communities
The criticism of Governor Bago extends beyond economic mismanagement to unfulfilled promises across various sectors. In a separate two-page letter signed by Alhaji Habibu Kagara, residents of Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area reminded the governor of commitments he made during a visit in November 2024. These included the construction of 10 kilometers of roads, the renovation of Kagara Secondary School, and the upgrading of Kagara General Hospital. To date, none of these projects have been executed, leaving the community feeling abandoned.
Pensioners have also voiced their grievances, accusing Bago of failing to release N25 billion pledged to clear outstanding pension entitlements. The non-payment of pensions has left many retirees in financial distress, with some resorting to begging to survive. Promises to award scholarships, renovate schools, and establish factories have similarly gone unmet, further eroding public trust in the administration.
In Minna, the state capital, the government’s focus on road reconstruction and multiple flyover projects has drawn mixed reactions. While some residents acknowledge the need for improved infrastructure, others argue that the projects have doubled transport costs, exacerbating economic hardship. The flyovers, reportedly slated for commissioning by President Tinubu, have fueled speculation that they are more about political grandstanding than addressing the state’s most pressing needs.
Security Crisis: A Growing Concern
Perhaps the most damning criticism of Governor Bago’s tenure is his handling of Niger State’s security crisis. The state has been plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence, particularly in rural areas such as Bangi, Kakihum, Ragada, Gulbin Boka, Rijau, and Kontagora. Despite repeated assurances from the government, these communities remain vulnerable to attacks, with residents living in constant fear.
Alhaji Yahaya Ability, Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger North, dismissed Bago’s claims of no hardship as “dishonest” and pointed to the governor’s refusal to visit affected communities as evidence of his detachment. Ability recounted an incident during Bago’s political tour when bandits reportedly blocked his convoy for over an hour, underscoring the severity of the security crisis. “If the governor’s own convoy isn’t safe, how can he claim there’s no hardship for ordinary Nigerlites?” Ability asked.
The opposition’s critique has resonated with many residents, who feel that the government has failed to prioritize security. Banditry has disrupted farming, commerce, and education, with schools in some areas forced to close due to the threat of abductions. The lack of visible progress in addressing the crisis has further fueled accusations that Bago is more concerned with political optics than the safety of his constituents.
Public and Political Reactions
The backlash against Governor Bago’s remarks has sparked a broader debate about leadership and accountability in Niger State. Civil society groups, community leaders, and ordinary citizens have taken to social media and public forums to express their frustration. “When a governor says there’s no hardship while people are starving and dying, it shows he’s either out of touch or deliberately misleading us,” said Fatima Usman, a market trader in Minna. “We need leaders who feel our pain, not those who dismiss it.”
The PDP and other opposition parties have seized on the controversy to highlight what they describe as the APC’s broader failures in governance. In a statement, the PDP called on Bago to retract his remarks and apologize to Nigerlites, arguing that his comments have deepened public distrust. “The governor’s refusal to acknowledge the suffering of his people is a betrayal of the mandate given to him,” the statement read.
Supporters of Governor Bago, however, have defended his administration, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects and agricultural initiatives as evidence of progress. A spokesperson for the state government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the criticism as politically motivated. “Governor Bago is working tirelessly to transform Niger State into an economic hub,” the spokesperson said. “The flyovers, road projects, and agricultural programs are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.”
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Economic and Political Challenges
The controversy surrounding Governor Bago’s remarks must be understood within the broader context of Nigeria’s economic and political challenges. The removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, a policy championed by President Tinubu, has led to skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and increased living costs across the country. While states like Niger have benefited from increased federal allocations, the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities.
In Niger State, the economic fallout has been particularly acute. The state’s largely agrarian economy has been hit hard by insecurity, which has disrupted farming and food supply chains. The rising cost of transportation, driven by fuel price hikes and ongoing road construction, has further strained household budgets. Against this backdrop, Bago’s claim of “no hardship” has been seen as a stark disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Politically, the controversy highlights the challenges facing the APC as it seeks to maintain its dominance in Niger State and beyond. Governor Bago, as a key ally of President Tinubu, is seen as a rising star within the party, but his recent missteps risk undermining his political capital. With elections looming in the coming years, the PDP and other opposition parties are likely to capitalize on public discontent to challenge the APC’s grip on power.
A Call for Accountability and Change
The open letters from Mallam Shehu Abdullahi and Alhaji Habibu Kagara, combined with the opposition’s criticism, have amplified calls for accountability in Niger State. Residents are demanding transparency regarding the management of federal allocations, loans, and donations, as well as concrete action to address insecurity, economic hardship, and unfulfilled promises. Civil society groups have called for public hearings to investigate the state’s finances and the handling of disaster relief funds.
For many Nigerlites, the controversy is a symptom of a broader crisis of leadership. “We elected Governor Bago to serve us, not to dismiss our struggles,” said Idris Mohammed, a youth leader in Kontagora. “If he can’t deliver, he should step aside and let someone else take charge.”
As the backlash continues, Governor Bago faces a critical test of his leadership. Retracting his remarks and engaging directly with affected communities could help rebuild public trust, but continued inaction risks further alienating his constituents. With Niger State at a crossroads, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Bago can deliver on his promises or whether his tenure will be defined by unmet expectations and growing discontent.
Conclusion
Governor Umar Bago’s claim that there is no hardship in Niger State has unleashed a wave of criticism that has exposed deep-seated frustrations with his administration. From the mismanagement of flood relief funds to the failure to address insecurity and unfulfilled promises, Nigerlites are demanding accountability and tangible results. The controversy underscores the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s political class, as citizens grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, and a growing sense of disillusionment.
As Niger State navigates this turbulent period, the spotlight is on Governor Bago to demonstrate leadership that prioritizes the needs of his people over political optics. Whether he can rise to the occasion or succumb to the mounting pressure remains to be seen, but for now, the voices of Nigerlites are loud and clear: they will not be silenced, and they will not accept a leadership that dismisses their struggles.
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