An aide to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Shehu Bawa Bwari, has sparked outrage after threatening a Minna-based Facebook user, Muhammad Alfa Muhammad, for questioning the progress of the government-backed “New Niger Bread” initiative.
This comes in the wake of Governor Bago’s previous controversies, including threatening to jail residents during public events. The recent incident highlights concerns about the administration’s approach to criticism and public accountability.
Muhammad had taken to Facebook to ask about the status of the bread production initiative, a project funded by taxpayers. The initiative, launched in July 2024, was aimed at empowering 200 master trainers to produce 10,000 bakers across the state within four years. The governor had donated N20 million to support youth in bread and confectionery production.
However, Muhammad’s inquiry was met with hostility from Bawa, who serves as the Coordinator on Entrepreneurship to the governor. Responding to the post, Bawa issued a stern warning:
“Some time back, I asked you to be careful about how you criticize people on social media. You asked about New Niger Bread; I will answer your question in a very legal way. Next time, you’ll realize that what you’re doing on social media is putting yourself in trouble,” he said.
Bawa escalated his threats further, adding in Hausa, “Ubanka zan ci, bama ubanka ba, buhun uban ubanka” (I will eat your father, not even your father, I will eat your great-great-grandfather). He also vowed to stop at nothing to bring Muhammad down.
In response, Muhammad expressed fear for his safety in a subsequent post, holding Bawa responsible for any harm that might come to him or his loved ones.
“I am compelled to bring to the public’s attention the threatening message sent to me by Shehu Bawa Bwari. I hold him accountable for any harm or danger that may come to me or anyone close to me,” Muhammad wrote.
This incident echoes a similar scenario earlier this year when Governor Bago, during a public event, threatened to arrest a resident who disrupted his speech. In the widely circulated video, Bago was heard saying, “You are very stupid… I will get you arrested if you misbehave further.”
The governor has also faced criticism for ordering the assault of a cleric, further fueling allegations of authoritarian tendencies within his administration.
Bawa’s threats and Bago’s past actions have raised serious questions about the government’s attitude toward public accountability and the safety of its critics.
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Chronicles Reporters