By Mahmud Zukogi
The governor of Niger state, Honourable Mohammed Umaru Bago, took two days off his busy schedule and retired to his home town of Bida. Whether this was planned or not, you cannot ask a man what he’s doing in his hometown. After all, was it not said in Hausa that “kowa ya bar gida, gida ya bar shi”? (He who forsake his home, his home forsakes him). In the same vein, the Nupe people have a popular saying, “Won ga gagan zami wo yi za, a ma yawe be a go emi gan.” (If you think your people are not worthwhile, you won’t be able to take refuge at home when something pursues you). And of course, we can’t forget the English saying of “Home sweet home.”
A week before this unusual visit, the governor at the State APC Stakeholder’s meeting where the party endorsed President Tinubu for a second tenure, the governor went amok by announcing the closure of Badeggi Radio for supposedly posing as a security threat to the state and its interests.That executive announcement by the governor was received with mixed feelings, with the majority thinking that the governor has overshoot his bound by taking that executive fiat of closing the radio, knowing that only NBC has the statutory power to close down any broadcasting station in Nigeria.That singular action, yielded unintended backlash, disgust and anger from the public, including some of the governor’s apologists.The action brought to the open the accusation that the governor is temperamental and intolerant of opposition. Added to this is the fact that the governor does not listen to constructive criticism, informed opinion and genuine advice from interested citizens and the general public. Expectedly, that action turned the heat on the governor and must have agonised about it for the whole week, especially as it shook the foundation of his hitherto supposedly conquered territory of power. In politics, a single incident can tamper with the power dynamics and give birth to a challenging narrative.This is what happened in Niger state in a space of one week.This is what happened to governor Bago. In one week, his mind changed, so was his self confidence and unbearable energy.
Power, like an engine, needs to be regularly lubricated, and or, serviced. Without this, power loses its grip and function, so too the engine. Governor Umar Bago knew about this, or his close aides drew his attention to it, and like a straw to a drowning man, he quickly grabbed it. Taking two days off state matters to go to Bida to renew his pledge and the support of his constituency was worth it. He may have taken some wrong steps, but he has not done anything expressly untoward to warrant his not being able to go back home and face his people. He is not that prodigal child who cannot confidently run into his home in order to escape from danger. He is a true son of the soil and the Garkuwan Nupe.
The visit to Bida was marked by unprecedented condolences. The governor was reported to have made over a dozen condolences and fraternal greetings.This was for the governor like killing two birds with one stone. It was like a dessert before the main menu. It was not always that you get to see a governor moving around from one area to another to pay homage to people and condolences to families that have lost a loved one, especially in Niger state where we had Lolo who was barely known as governor for eight years. This point fully earned, the governor moved to the next strategic agenda, which was the zonal APC Interactive forum. This is where the stakeholders who can determine the fate of the governor are, hence the urgent need to meet and interact with them to renew his pledge and yield some strategic positions.The interactive forum was massively attended by members who cut across all the local governments in the zone. The governor presented himself, spoke with respect and dignity, and intimated them about the journey so far and the enormous challenges ahead. He spoke not as a man who knows it all and not as a man with the midas touch. Of course, so many people spoke about a long list of things not done and actions not taken. Overall, nerves were swayed and some kind of understanding reached, building on the future that holds great promise for the people of Niger south in particular, and Niger state in general.
The summary was that the people embraced their governor and renewed their pledge to go the whole hog with him. Here was a man brimming with ideas, imbued with abundant energy and a vision of a new Niger state that is able to harness her untapped resources for greatness. His vision of road infrastructure, education, agriculture and health care delivery are slow in coming but unmatched.
Governor Bago must, going forward, take cognisance of the enormity of all decisions that he decides to take. He should keep his energy but be calm and humble. He should always seek second advice outside of his circle of aides, especially from senior citizens who are well aware of the potential and challenges of the state. He should learn to tolerate constructive criticism and be accountable to his actions. In the end, it is accountability that will save his neck.
©️ Mahmud Zukogi
