Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said the approaching 2027 general election has limited his ability to take decisive disciplinary action against some underperforming officials in his administration.
The governor made the statement in Minna while inaugurating newly elected local government chairmen and vice chairmen, as well as commissioners and board members, at the Hauwa Isah Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House.
Bago restated his support for a single-term tenure for governors, arguing that it would allow leaders to act more decisively without the pressure of re-election politics.
He lamented what he described as excessive politicking in the country, noting that some officials who have repeatedly failed promotion examinations and contributed little to governance remain in the system due to electoral considerations.
According to him, a single-term system would encourage bold decision-making and improve efficiency in public service delivery.
The governor described the inauguration as the beginning of the second phase of the New Niger Agenda and urged the newly sworn-in officials to work collectively towards delivering on his administration’s campaign promises.
Bago also called on residents of the state to support efforts to tackle insecurity and promote peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for unity across ethnic and religious lines.
Those inaugurated included 30 commissioners and 25 local government chairmen, alongside vice chairmen and board members.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, through Justice Maimuna Abubakar of the State High Court.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the inauguration marked a renewed commitment to the New Niger Agenda, adding that the officials had undergone an eight-day retreat to prepare them for their responsibilities.
