Niger State Government Clarifies Viral Video of Governor Ordering Security to Remove Impostor Imam
A viral video has been circulating online showing Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago allegedly ordering security personnel to slap a man during the Fidua prayer for the late wife of the Deputy Governor, Zainab Yakubu. However, the state government has released a statement clarifying the incident, stating that the man in question was an impostor attempting to impersonate an Imam.
According to the statement released by the governor’s Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the man had apologized to both the governor and the forum of Imams for his behavior and confirmed that he was neither slapped nor arrested. Wakaso explained that the state government had initially chosen not to engage in the controversy due to the mourning period, but felt compelled to correct the misconceptions about the governor’s actions.
The governor, Wakaso stated, considers the three-day Fidua Prayers as a very sensitive and important event that should be presided over by an Imam or a renowned Islamic scholar, not by an unqualified individual. The governor’s decision to ask the individual to leave the venue was based on maintaining the sanctity and solemnity of the occasion, as the individual’s actions were disrespectful to the deceased and the reason for the gathering.
Wakaso also criticized the continued attacks on Governor Bago’s character by some media outlets, calling them unfortunate and uncalled for. She defended the governor’s actions as necessary to prevent the Fidua prayer from being disrupted. Wakaso further disclosed that the fake cleric had been a supporter of the governor, who had attempted to empower him several times. His overzealous behavior was an attempt to gain the governor’s attention.
The governor’s actions, Wakaso emphasized, were driven by respect for the deceased, the purpose of the gathering, and the need to preserve the sanctity of the Fidua Prayer. The fake cleric has shown remorse and requested forgiveness from both the governor and the forum of Imams.
The Niger State Government’s clarification aims to set the record straight and provide a clear understanding of the events that unfolded during the Fidua prayer.
