Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago’s claim that the state is hardship-free has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leader Yahaya Ability of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Bago had allegedly stated on a national television programme that residents of the state are enjoying the benefits of his administration and that there is no hardship in the state.
However, Ability dismissed Bago’s statement as “misleading and disconnected” from the reality faced by citizens, while pointing to a recent bandit attack in the state as evidence of the ongoing security challenges.
The PDP stalwart cited a recent bandit attack in Gidan Kwaruru near Rijiyan Nagwamatse, a few kilometers from Kontagora, which he argued contradicts the governor’s narrative.
According to him, “During the attack around Kontagora, motorists were held hostage without moving for nearly an hour until security forces intervened, and this goes to show ongoing insecurity in the state.”
He described the governor’s statement as political propaganda, filled with deception that characterizes the APC government.
“We encourage Nigerians to always verify the claims made by the governor directly from the people of the state.”
He urged citizens to judge the governor’s claims against their own experiences, saying “hardship and insecurity remain significant challenges in Niger State.”
Ability then accused the ruling APC administration of failing to deliver meaningful support, widening the gap between government promises and citizens’ realities.
