Deconstructing Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu's Manipulation of Facts and Tirade against Senator Sani Bello.

By Bilal Umar Etsu

In the intricate realm of politics, Winston Churchill's wisdom: “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks at you.” Rings true. This wisdom translates to the path to one's destination is often obstructed by distractions and unwarranted attacks

It is on this standpoint that an astute Administrator, an uncommon politician in the person of Senator Abubakar Sani Bello the immediate past Governor of Niger State was resilient, unwavering and unyielding in his commitment to public service for the advancement of Niger State despite the anomalies carried out before he assumed office. He believed that trying to dig deep into those actions to unravel why and who did them, would amount to "throwing stones" and would have obstructed or distracted him from getting to his destination. However, for his predecessor to twist facts available just to bring him (Senator Sani Bello) to public ridicule is most unfortunate.


It is of utmost importance to set the records straight and debunk the fallacious claims propagated by the former Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, adept at distorting facts to mislead the public. It would be recalled that Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the former “Chief Servant” of Niger State, embarked on a disparaging tirade aimed at discrediting the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. However, the allegations presented by Dr. Babangida Aliyu are gross misrepresentation of facts.
In reality, Senator Sani Bello's tenure stands as a testament to dedicated and prudent governance, that left an indelible mark on the state.

It’s worth empathizing that former Governor Babangida Aliyu’s frustration is at its peak as he watches Senator Abubakar Sani Bello embodying his unattained aspirations. Sen. Sani Bello; a two-time governor who seamlessly transited to the National Assembly, achieved the remarkable feat of securing the 2023 Presidential, Gubernatorial, and Parliamentary elections for his Party’s candidates even as an outgoing Governor, a feat that eluded others before him.

Ironically Dr Babangida Aliyu seems to have conveniently forgotten his own administration's shortcomings, but Nigerlites will always do him the honour of refreshing his memory. After all, It was he who introduced the concept of "Political Yahoo Yahoo". Despite labelling himself as "Chief Servant", he lived extravagantly and acted like an Emperor, pocketing a staggering N250 million annually as house rent, while neglecting the State's Government House. This stark contrast is a pointer to whose administration was truly a "wasted eight years" during which taxpayers' money was misused for personal gains.

Senator Sani Bello throughout his administration, refrained from employing titles as a deceptive tool to ridicule the people of Niger State, instead, he opted for a modest life without noise, residing in a 3-bedroom government lodge, and prudently managing taxpayers' funds. He left behind a state-of-the-art Government House, a symbol of responsible governance.
On the contrary, his predecessor Dr Babangida Aliyu, lived an extravagant lifestyle. His tenure also raises questions regarding the sale of House of Assembly and Commissioners Quarters, including the allocation of three units of the latter to himself, in addition to those designated for his family members without providing alternative housing for Assembly and Executive Cabinet members.

Moreover, the issue of the so-called "ultra-modern stadium" at Maikunkele, and the fake 5 Star hotel along U.K Bello Art Theater Road, which despite the substantial budget allocation and the release of almost all the allocated funds, no tangible infrastructure on the ground to show they were all done under the administration of the "Chief Servant".

This further explains and proves that Dr Babangida Aliyu's legacy projects were merely white elephant projects, initiated with the intent to beguile and defraud the state of its resources. His administration had negligible impact on the lives of Nigerlites, The few road projects undertaken by his administration in Minna and other parts of the state were substandard and without proper drainage systems, which reversed the situation within a very short period hence, placed a huge burden of reconstruction on his successor.

It would only be honourable if the "Chief Servant" could clarify his role in the mismanagement of the 7.5% Contributory pension funds, which resulted in the misappropriation of over 7 Billion Naira meant for pensioners. Additionally, the mismanagement of over N500 million SUBEB funds. These unfortunate situations happened during the eight years of the "Chief Servant" but were rectified by a prudent Administrator; Senator Sani Bello.

Siphoning Ecological Funds into private pockets remains unresolved, with the former governor still entangled in legal battles. In light of these facts, Dr. Babangida Aliyu's claim of wasted administrations rings hollow, considering the scandals and fraudulent activities that marred his tenure.
Notably, despite the challenging economic and security conditions faced by Senator Sani Bello's administration, it displayed fiscal prudence. Redirecting funds towards projects that directly benefited the people. Senator Bello's economic expertise and business acumen played a pivotal role in elevating the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N5.7 billion annually in 2015 to an impressive N15.8 billion in 2023, a testament that he was a responsible and accountable Governor.
Contrary to the accusations of wastefulness, Senator Sani Bello prioritized the state's infrastructure, and ensured the proper utilization of taxpayers' funds.

In the face of economic challenges, Senator Sani Bello's administration adeptly managed resources, focusing on impactful projects that had a direct bearing on the people of Niger State. Notable efforts were made in healthcare, education, agriculture, and road infrastructure among others, transforming the state and repositioning it as a key player in Nigeria's journey towards food security and self-sufficiency.
Education received a considerable boost, with significant upgrades and renovations in primary and secondary schools, as well as the establishment of the Niger State Professional Teachers Development Institute, an initiative aimed at training the young ones to become professional teachers and also enhancing the skills of teachers ultimately improving the quality of education in the State.

Agriculture, a vital sector for economic growth, witnessed substantial investments and collaborations with local and international investors, leading to Niger State's recognition as Nigeria's top rice producer. Sen. Sani Bello's administration supported numerous farmers and promoted dry-season farming, contributing significantly to the Country’s food production. This initiative, coupled with the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes and the procurement of tractors and farming inputs, empowered farmers and resulted in their economic transformation.

Road construction constituted a pivotal pillar of Senator Sani Bello's enduring legacy. His notable projects include the construction and rehabilitation of more than 500 kilometres of roads, effectively linking over 390 rural communities through the World Bank Assisted Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP). This strategic initiative facilitated the seamless transportation of agricultural produce from rural areas to consumer markets, fostering stability in market price.

His tenure as Governor also witnessed an impressive array of road projects in Minna the State capital which include the dualization of Broadcasting Road, extensive reconstruction of Bosso Estate Roads, construction of Goodluck Jonathan Way (Imani Junction) and Morris Fertilizer Road, Tungan Goro-Tagwai Dam Road, City Gate-Chanchaga dual carriageway, Gbeganu-Fadikpe Road, Kongila-Makera Road, Brighter-Himma School Road, Garima Road, Tunga Police Station Road, Makera-New Market Road, Unguwan Daji Road, Abattoir Road, Orphanage Road, Sarkin Bosso Road, Maitumbi Township Road, Maikunkele Township Road, Tudun Fulani Road, UK Bello-Sabongari Road, Custom Barrack Road, Old Alheri Road, Deeper Life Church Road, Dattijo Aliyu-Tunga Police Station Road, as well as completing the Old Airport-New Market dual carriageway Road.

Moreover, the meticulous rejuvenation of the Kampanin Bobi Grazing Reserve to provide herders with a secured grazing area, coupled with the collaborative alliance with FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria for milk production, underscored Sen. Sani Bello's administration's unwavering commitment to tackling the pervasive farmer and herder conflicts that have contributed to numerous security challenges in some parts of the State.

Senator Sani Bello's tenure stands as a beacon of responsible governance, marked by genuine dedication to the welfare of the citizens of Niger State. The allegations levelled against his administration by Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu are unfounded, and an attempt to tarnish a legacy built on prudence, transparency, and genuine progress.
Nigerlites are discerning and well-informed, capable of distinguishing facts from fiction, and will undoubtedly recognize the truth behind the hollow allegations presented by Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu. Senator Sani Bello's unwavering commitment to public service remains steadfast, guided by the desire to fulfil his duties and honour his oath of office as a true representative of the people.


Bilal Is a Social Critic and Writes From Minna