Civil Society Organization, opposition political parties, clerics and citizens have condemned the attitude of the Niger state governor Mohammed Umar Bago for taking advantage of the poverty and economic hardship to dehumanize the electorates through abuse of throwing public money to be scramble for by the people .
This according to the Nigeria constitution such act of displaying or mutilation of the naira is contrary to the provision of the CBN Act of 2007, and contravene the financial regulations of Nigerian constitution in totality.
It should be recalled that few weeks ago, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, sentenced one of Nigeria’s famous cross-dressers, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to six months in jail without the option of fine.
Although a first time offender, the sentence was sequel to the cross-dresser’s conviction on charges bordering on mutilation and abuse of the country’s currency.
The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bobrisky, upon arraignment last week, had pleaded guilty, and said he was ignorant of the offence. But the trial judge held that the jail term without an option of fine would serve as a deterrent to other abusers of the naira.
Awogboro held, in a judgement that had since elicited controversy, “The act of mutilating the naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the country’s image.
To this end, the North Central Zonal Chairman, Campaign for Democracy, Human Right Advocacy Civil Society of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Abdullahi Jabi in an interview, said that the governor is ignorant of the consequences of his actions despite his immunity.
While describing his action qs most unfortunate Habits said “what is good for the goose is also good for the gander”.
He condemned the Governor’s act saying “he is showcasing and breeding potential beggers who are being dehumanized by bringing them to public shame and making mockery of the bad situation of the masses.
“There is need for him to show maturity like his other colleagues in order to learn the rudiments of governance and decorum.
“He should desist from over zealousness that is negatively affecting his image and that of the state”.
In another development, the Niger North Zonal chairman of PDP, Yahaya Ability condemned governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s action of throwing money in the public, noting that his Special Advisers on Security and that of Political Affairs are not performing their required responsibility.
Ability condemned the governor’s unrepentant and incessant actions of degrading the masses because he has access to the public fund at the detriment of the citizens.
Accordingly, he said “this is not the only way to make himself popular as a sitting governor of Niger state, he should treat people with dignity, accord them respect and have a listening ears as nobody is above the law.
“I will advise him to desist from exhibiting what will undermine the right of the citizenry by empowering the people in the state the right way.
Similarly, the former Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Umar Danladi Abdulhamid berated Governor Bago saying that he has violated the country’s constitution and the EFCC should also invite him.
Abdulhamid advocated for better ways of sharing public funds in a more matured and organized ways however commended good gesture of any kind to the citizens especially the poorest of the poor who are disadvantaged.
Speaking at the backdrop of the video on social media showing the Governor throwing money at Kagara people where many were injured in the process, when he went for Sallah homage, he urged the people to desist from endangering their lives because of stipend sprayed around.
It was reliably gathered that no fewer than four persons had severe injuries following the scramble when the Governor throw cash on them while driving round the town.
It was reliably gathered that, the practice has been his attitude since he was sworn in May 29, 2023 as Kagara episode is one among many which has also been kicked against by many Islamic clerics during their Friday sermons in the state.
Many are worried that while juicy contracts are allegedly commandeered by the Governor’s cronies outside the state pea nuts are thrown on poverty ridden Nigerlites causing nuisance and havoc on the streets and highways while on transit.
They therefore advised Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to find a more decent, matured and legal ways of empowering the people through their unions and associations to ensure self reliant and sustenance that will accord them respect, honor, integrity and appreciated as they offer their services effectively and efficiently to humanity in the state.