LIVE UPDATES
MINNA , Nigeria - The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ridiculed Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State for expressing regret over the collection of a trillion Naira loan without witnessing significant results from the expenditure.
The party contended that governance should involve making decisions after thorough consultations and necessary advice, but it is destined to fail when the leader unilaterally makes decisions that deviate from the expectations of the general populace and the electorate in particular.
The Vice Chairman of the party in Niger State, articulated the party's stance in a statement to the press in Minna, asserting that the economic situation of citizens has deteriorated rather than improved under the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
Yahaya, who also serves as the zonal Chairman for the Niger-North Senatorial district, lamented that the debt burden incurred by the current administration will take generations to alleviate.
“We cautioned the Governor against irresponsible borrowing, fully aware that it would soon cripple the state's economy and impose unnecessary debt on future generations.”
Despite these warnings, he arrogantly dismissed the concerns, convinced he possessed all the solutions, which he noted has led to stagnation in almost every sector of the state economy, resulting in numerous abandoned projects by the end of his first tenure.
Rather than investing in projects that directly improve the living standards of the impoverished populace, the administration led by Bago, according to the party, has prioritized projects that serve personal interests over those that benefit the wider community of Nigerlites.
Clearly dissatisfied with the severe water crisis affecting various parts of the state, the party remarked, “Now, the truth is evident—the administration is burdened by the ramifications of borrowing a staggering one trillion Naira without a clear strategic plan for its effective utilization.
“Instead of continuous complaints and justifications, Nigerlites demand action; fulfill your promises, repair what you vowed to fix, and assume responsibility for repaying the debts.”
The party warned that the residents of Niger State have reached their limit with the excuses and should not suffer further due to financial mismanagement and misguided priorities.
“In the upcoming 2027 elections, Nigerlites will reject incompetence and usher in a more capable leader, one who is not only modest but genuinely prioritizes development, accountability, and the welfare of the people over personal interests.”
“The suffering caused by reckless borrowing and failed governance must end. Niger State deserves a leader who will invest in its future, not one who will put it in jeopardy.”
