The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Niger State has accused Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of abandoning more than 250 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses purchased with public funds, alleging that the vehicles have been left to deteriorate for over three years.
The party said the buses, which were acquired to ease transportation costs following the removal of the fuel subsidy, were allegedly abandoned at the Trade Fair Complex in Minna.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson of the SDP Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, described the situation as evidence of what he called the Bago administration’s penchant for abandoning public projects.
Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in the state, questioned why a government would spend public money and reportedly borrow to purchase buses only to allow them to waste away.
He alleged that the vehicles had been exposed to vandalism, with important parts and components removed.
According to him, the buses have become hideouts for criminals and shelters for reptiles because of the prolonged neglect.
“What can the governor tell the people of this state as to the reason for allowing those buses that were purchased with the state’s resources to waste away at the Trade Fair Complex?” he asked.
Vatsa argued that the buses were acquired to cushion the hardship experienced by residents following the removal of fuel subsidy but had failed to serve their intended purpose.
He further accused the administration of neglecting several government projects across the state despite what he described as increased financial resources from the Federation Account.
The SDP spokesman also alleged that while private businesses and farms associated with the administration enjoyed adequate funding and round-the-clock activities, government projects were being abandoned because of alleged lack of funds.
He challenged the governor to explain why projects initiated with public resources were not being completed.
Vatsa said the alleged abandonment of the buses and other projects raised questions about the administration’s priorities and management of public funds.
He urged Niger residents to reject what he described as a government of abandoned projects in the 2027 elections.
“In 2027, the people of this great state have a choice to make, either to remain stagnant with abandoned projects staring them in the face and unpayable loans, or choose the path of progress,” he said.
The SDP spokesman insisted that Niger State should not experience another four years of what he described as stagnation and waste of public resources.
However, the allegations against the governor and the state government were contained in the SDP statement.
