By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Youth leader and the Chairman Coalition movement in Niger State, Comrade Yahaya Gago has chastised the state Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago for failing to exhibit strict financial discipline in projecting the state to the outside world.
Governor Bago sounding aloud what could be termed as his dreams for the state, Yahaya faulted the Governor for not being transparent and accountable, but chose to present Niger state to the world with half truths or unsubstantiated claims that never existed anywhere in the past two years.
Comrade Yahaya Gago, in a letter titled, 'Open letter to His Excellency, Governor Bago', personally signed by him and made available to journalists in Minna said Umar Bago as a former Banker refused to imbibe financial discipline nor prioritise his projects before declaring what does not exist in the state to the outside world.
According to Yahaya, "We, the concerned citizens of Niger state, are compelled to address you directly regarding the reality on the ground and the narratives you presented to Nigerians, and by implications to the outside world".
Comrade Yahaya, a former Campaign Youth leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Isah Liman Kantigi said he also did not agree with the Governor's claim that there is no hardship in Niger state.
Even a child that is still in his mother's womb needed no rhetorical proof to know that happenings in parts of Niger state besides insecurity and difficulties caused by littered uncompleted projects within Minna the state capital alone are enough to counter the governor's claims.
The Governor is not only misleading people, investors inclusive but the looks in the eyes of every Nigerlite paints a typical picture as example of the struggles and hardships faced by majority of Nigerlites.
"It is no more news that insecurity in Niger state has reached alarming proportion with frequent kidnappings, and armed banditry, attacks on innocent citizens which has disrupted daily activities of especially rural dwellers adding to the present economic policies that have no human face".
He further emphasized that, due to the harsh economic realites, many families are struggling to make ends meet or have a single balanced diet per day, adding that for a leader to say at this critical period that there is no hardship only shows his total disconnect from the reality faced by citizens.
He pointed out that most projects initiated, including his 'new Niger agenda' meant to alleviate sufferings of the masses have for over two years now been delayed, and therefore wants Governor Bago to consider more what would end the hardship than telling lies to the world..
Yahaya said it is sad that projects meant to improve the people's living conditions are today adding to frustrations they grapple with on a daily basis, and therefore advised that Governor Bago adopt more honest and an-all inclusive approach to governance by first understanding the challenges faced by the people and work towards solutions that will benefit all the through transparent and accountable manner. NNL.
