Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has advocated a single-term tenure for governors, arguing that the quest for re-election hampers good governance.
Speaking during the swearing-in of newly appointed commissioners, local government chairmen, permanent secretaries and board members, Bago said preoccupation with second-term ambitions often prevents leaders from taking bold decisions needed to move states forward.
“There are some steps I ought to have taken to move the state forward but I dare not because of fear that taking such decisions would affect my victory in 2027,” he said. “I am an advocate of a single term for governors… governance is suffering and this is why one term is better to serve because you will be more focused from the beginning to the end of your one term tenure.”
The governor also described the recent abduction of students and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, as strange to the state, urging residents to unite against insecurity.
He called on newly sworn-in officials to embrace his New Niger Agenda, stressing non-discrimination and promising to announce commissioners’ portfolios within one week.