Alcohol Ban: Is Gov Bago Motivated by Religious Extremism? Ex-Lawmaker Speaks
- Governor Mohammed Bago has been caught in the web of another controversy about his relationship with other religious faiths
- There were reports that his government had banned the sale of alcohol in Suleja Local Government
- This claim has since been debunked by the state government, and ex-lawmaker Robinson Uwak also came to the defence of the Niger state governor
Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil societies, courts, and metro
FCT, Abuja - Robinson Uwak, a former member of the House of Representatives, has characterized Governor Mohammed Bago as an open-minded and non-extremist leader who harbours no animosity towards individuals of different faiths.
Uwak made these remarks in response to criticisms surrounding an alleged directive from the state government to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Source: Facebook
Reports circulating in the media suggest that the Niger State Liquor and Licensing Board intends to enforce a complete ban in the Suleja Local Government Area and its surroundings starting January 1, 2024, along with relocating establishments in Minna, the state capital.
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The state government contradicted the declaration, asserting that the mentioned board does not exist within the state.
In response, Uwak emphasised that the governor supports national unity, embracing the country's diversity without promoting extremist ideologies.
He said:
"Governor Bago is a widely traveled 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."
"I have accompanied him to honour invitations in several churches" - Uwak
Uwak highlighted Bago's inclusive and patriotic stance, emphasising that he does not practice discrimination based on ethnicity or religion and views him as a cosmopolitan leader.
"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."
Civil servants can wear native attires, Niger governor clarifies
In another report, Governor Bago said he did not ban civil servants from wearing native attires.
He said some media outlets misunderstood his speech. The governor encouraged civil servants to be farmers and dress smartly to farm.
He clarified that his government invested in agriculture and wanted everyone to join. The governor’s chief press secretary said the viral video clip was a malicious edit.
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Source: Legit.ng
