NIGER GOVERNOR SPEAKS ON RIFT WITH DEPUTY AS THE LATTER CONTINUES TO ABSENT HIMSELF FROM PUBLIC FUNCTIONS EVEN IN BAGO’S ABSENCE

Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has broken his silence on a reported rift between him and his deputy, Yakubu Garba.

On Sunday, DAILY NIGERIAN had exclusively reported plans by Mr Garba to resign his position, following a strained relationship and hostility from the governor.

In preparation for his resignation, Mr Garba had moved his family and personal belongings from the official residence to his private residence.

It was, however, gathered that some influential figures, including traditional rulers, prevailed on him to rescind his decision.

However, DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the deputy governor has not been seen publicly since Monday.

During the distribution of life jackets to 14 riverine areas in Minna by the minister of Blue and Marine Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday, the governor, who was then in Russia, was represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji.

Mr Garba was also surprisingly absent at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Minna on Thursday.

His absence at the event, despite being the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, further fuelled speculations on the rift.

But addressing journalists after the celebration at parade ground in Minna, Mr Bago said nobody could come between them.

A statement issued by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, quoted the governor as saying: “We are a team, they can’t break us, our focus is on the goal, and we will achieve it”.

Mr Bago also appealed to Nigerlites to uphold their support for his administration, assuring that a “new Niger is possible”.