Robinson Uwak, a former House of Representatives member, has denied charges of religious extremism in the aftermath of Governor Mohammed Bago’s alcohol prohibition in some districts of Niger State.
Bago, he said, is a liberal, non-extremist leader who values diversity.
The uproar arose in response to rumors that the Niger State Liquor and Licensing Board intended to impose a total alcohol ban in Suleja Local Government Area and its environs by January 1, 2024, with additional accusations regarding moving establishments in Minna, the state capital.
The state government refuted these claims, stating that the specified board did not exist in Niger State.
In response to the incident, Uwak emphasized Bago’s inclusive approach, claiming that the governor is a cosmopolitan and nationalist figure who does not discriminate based on ethnicity or religion.
“I know His Excellency Bago to be a very devout Muslim who studies the Koran daily and prays fervently, but I must add that I have accompanied him to honour invitations in several churches. He is known by many to have knowledge of Bible verses and many Christian hymns and songs.
“For a man who has turned the entirety of Niger State into a construction site with multiple people-oriented projects, alcohol ban is definitely not a priority for his government,” Uwak asserted.
He affirmed Governor Bago’s standing in terms of performance and attracting foreign investments into the State, stating that the governor’s focus is on development and not on implementing an alcohol ban.