- By Halimah Olamide
Governor of Niger state, Umaru Bago, has been caught on video ordering the assault of an Islamic cleric in Minna, the state capital.
The incident reportedly happened at the 8th day fidau in honour of the wife of his deputy Governor who passed away last week.
Other Islamic clerics present at the premises of the deputy governor had looked on as the cleric was whisked away on the orders of the visibly enraged Governor.
At the end of the event, the Governor had called for a volunteer to offer prayer for the repose of the soul of the deceased, Hajia Zainab Yakubu Garba.
The young cleric, who signified his desire to offer the prayer had angered the governor.
Immediately he stepped forward, the governor’s countenance changed ordering one of the security aides to slap the cleric.
“Slap him! I say slap him very well,” he ordered
After being dealt some slaps while the cleric was on his kneels, the governor, not done with the slaps, ordered the security aide to take him away and deal with him properly and then bring him back.
He then called on another cleric who offered the prayers leading to the end of the event.
The video of the scene, which has gone viral, has elicited reactions from many who condemn the governor for the assault and lack of respect for common people.