Niger Gov, Bago Not Religious Extremist, Didn’t Ban Alcohol, Says Uwak

A former member of the House of Representative, Robinson Uwak, has described Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, as a liberal and a non-extremist who does not hate people of other faiths.

Uwak stated this Sunday in reaction to criticism of a directive purportedly made by the state government to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state.

The media have been awash with reports that the Niger State Liquor and Licensing Board had announced plans to implement a total ban in Suleja Local Government Area of the state and its environs by January 1, 2024 and the relocation of the joints in Minna, the state capital.

The state government, however, denied the announcement and explained that the board was non-existent in the state.

Reacting, Uwak said the governor is a pan-Nigerian who believes in the country’s diversity devoid of any extremist agenda.

He said Bago is cosmopolitan and nationalist, adding that he does not discriminate against anybody on the basis of ethnicity or religion.

“I know His Excellency Bago to be a very devout Muslim who studies the Koran daily and prays fervently but I must add that I have accompanied him to honour invitations in several churches. He is known by many to have knowledge of Bible verses and many Christian hymns and songs.

“Governor Bago is a widely travelled man whom I can describe as an ‘International mind’ embracing diverse perspectives, cultures and ethnicity. 

“I am aware he speaks a little bit many languages like Ishan, Ibibio, Yoruba, Tiv, Idoma and many more.

“For a man who has turned the entirety of Niger State into a construction site with multiple people-oriented projects, alcohol ban is definitely not a priority for his government.

“Currently, Bago stands tall in terms of performance and attracting several foreign investments into Niger State,” Uwak stated.