By Princess Simon Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Niger state government has denied alleged humiliation of an Islamic Cleric, saying the victim was an imposter who tried to take over the duties of Imam during the 3-days Fidau prayers for the late Deputy Governor's wife, Hajiya Zaynab Garba.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago came under severe attacks when a video clip surfaced on social media where was allegedly ordering one of his security aides to send away an Islamic Cleric and that he should be thoroughly dealt with.
A statement by Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser to the Governor (Print Media), made available to journalists said, "The Governor ordered security agents to remove an impersonator who attempted to take over the spiritual duties of the Imams gathered at the deputy Governor’s residence.
"The state government is particularly concerned that the incident was schewed and tilting towards turning into controversy as it is now being celebrated by a section of the Nigerian media to misinterpret and misrepresent Governor Bago and the Niger state government generally.
"While the state government would not want to engage in the controversy being celebrated on social media and other platforms because of the incident, especially when the state is still in mourning period for the Deputy Governor’s wife, it has become necessary to set the records straight and correct the misconceptions and misrepresentation of the Governor's actions".
Some media outfits, Aisha said, seemed to be repeating the incident which happened about two weeks ago to weep up sentiments just to cause disaffection between Governor Bago and the entire muslim community, especially the Imams.
"The Governor considers the three days Fidau prayers a very sensitive and important event that should be presided over by an Imam or any renowned Islamic Scholar and not by an unqualified individual.
"The Governor's decision to ask the individual to leave the venue of the prayer is based on maintaining the sanctity and solemnity of the occasion", adding that "he (Gov) found the act of the person not just disrespectful to the dead and the reason for the gathering but also insensitive, prompting him to request that the imposter be taken out by the security agents".
Aisha argued that, "continued attacks on the Governor's character by a section of the media is not just unfortunate but uncalled for, especially since the Governor's actions were meant to curb the excesses of unruly individuals and prevent the 3-days Fidau prayer from being reduced to mere spectacle or child's play.
"The individual in question is well known to the Governor from his days in the banking industry and Member House of Representatives and has empowered him with different trades at different times but repeatedly squandered the money and keeps coming back to pester the Governor who could no longer tolerate seeing him impersonating as an Imam.
"While some media houses have continued to criticize Governor Bago for his actions", others according to her, "understood the scenario and supported the necessity of maintaining orderliness and respect in public functions, particularly during sensitive gatherings like the Fidau prayer.
"The person has not only denied being slapped by the security aides who ordered him out of the Deputy Governor’s residence in a video but publicly apologized to the Imams and the Governor, acknowledging his overzealousness and inappropriate actions.
"He has shown remorse and requested forgiveness from both the Governor and the forum of Imams", adding that "regrettably, this aspect of the story has not received same media attention", the SA Media state. NNL.