Controversy has surrounded Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State following a viral video showing him tossing naira notes at his supporters.
Bago was captured standing on the roof of a moving vehicle, scattering the notes as his supporters scrambled to catch them.
The incident has sparked anger among the state’s residents, civil society groups, opposition parties, and religious leaders.
They have condemned his actions as unacceptable, degrading, and a form of disrespect towards the national currency.
Critics accused him of exploiting the poverty and economic challenges faced by the people to engage in such behavior.
Reports indicate that several individuals sustained injuries, including fractures, while scrambling for the money thrown by Bago.
His conduct was deemed in violation of the Nigerian constitution and the Central Bank of Nigeria regulations on the use of the Naira.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullahi Jabi, the North Central Zonal Chairman of Campaign for Democracy, expressed concerns over the governor’s actions, highlighting the negative impact it could have on the society.
In a similar vein, Yahaya Ability, the Niger North Zonal chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, criticized Governor Bago’s actions and called for a more dignified approach in governance.
Alh. Umar Danladi Abdulhamid, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, also condemned the governor’s behavior, urging him to adopt a more responsible and mature way of engaging with the public.
Members of the public voiced their discontent with Governor Bago’s attitude, emphasizing the need for a more respectful and inclusive leadership style.
Efforts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor for a response to the criticism were unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.