Rumors have been circulating that Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, plans to resign from his position due to alleged disagreements with his principal, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
According to sources, Garba has been moving his personal belongings from his official residence to his private residence, sparking speculation about his intentions.
Some traditional rulers visited Garba on Sunday night, reportedly to persuade him not to resign.
Close sources stated that Garba has allegedly been subjected to persistent disrespect and marginalization by the governor and his team. This treatment includes the override of Garba's preferred candidate in the forthcoming local government elections in Shiroro, thereby sparking tensions between him and the governor.
“The deputy governor was never consulted when consensus candidates were replaced with other names by the APC leadership. The deputy governor and other APC stakeholders in his local government area, Shiroro, had agreed on Babangida Kudodo as the consensus candidate. He was replaced with Isyaku Bawa and likewise, other candidates,” a source stated.
However, when contacted, the Deputy Governor's Press Secretary, Ummikhultume Abdullahi, denied the resignation rumors, calling them mere speculations.
She explained that Garba's family visits their private residence regularly, especially when the children are preparing to resume school.
“Oga is not resigning, they are just mere speculations. You know as a public figure any action will attract public attention. Before assuming office he has made it clear that he will not be staying permanently at his official residence – that he and his children still be going to his private residence once in awhile.
“You knew the children have just resumed school so they usually go back to the private residence to prepare for resumption. That is what normally happens each time they are going back to school, ” the press secretary insisted.
Abdullahi added that she would issue a statement if there were any developments regarding Garba's position.
