Photo of Gov Bago kneeling before Tinubu after calling Peter Obi 'My boss' angers some Nigerians

Massive reactions trail the recent actions of Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago who was captured kneeling before President Bola Tinubu during a visit to the presidential villa on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Bago made the news when he agreed with Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate for the 2023 elections, that it was unfitting for Nigeria to accept grain donations from war-torn Ukraine despite the country facing hardship.

Speaking during the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja during the Leadership Award ceremony, Bago said; “My boss,” the Niger governor told Mr Obi who was also present, “you are very right on what you’ve said. “We have no reason to be poor. People may not like you, but they must hear you. What you say is the gospel truth.”

“It is time we tell ourselves the basic truth. We need to feed ourselves. It is a shame for people (sic) like Ukraine in war to be giving us food.”

“Nigeria needs to be productive. You cannot be out of poverty unless you start to produce. I’m not an advocate of handouts and palliative. I don’t believe in it.”

Not long after the award, Bago was captured kneeling before President Tinubu and holding onto his hand with his head bowed.

This photo has caused a stir on social media as many expressed disgust at the actions of Gov Bago.

Below are some reactions;

Few days ago, at the Leadership Awards Niger state governor, Mohammed Umar Bago publicly praised Peter Obi, even called him (my boss) for his position that it’s shameful for Nigeria to get donations of grains from war-torn Ukraine and reechoed his call for Tinubu’s govt to make… pic.twitter.com/1pXVa6GSvg

— Obiasogu David (@afrisagacity) March 7, 2024

What manner of stupidity is this ??? See an elected Governor bowing to Tinubu as if Tinubu is God ???? How do these manner of people hope to achieve successes as Governors when their loyalty is to the President and not to the people that voted them ??

Even Tinubu never bowed…

— Office of the Nigerian Citizen #AMG (@RadicalYouthMan) March 7, 2024

He should lie on the floor so the President can walk on him since he wants to show respect !

— Office of the Nigerian Citizen #AMG (@RadicalYouthMan) March 7, 2024

Nigeria has her own definition of politics.

This same Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger who was praising Peter Obi over his Ukraine comment yesterday is paying huge homage to Tinubu today. pic.twitter.com/cghYpUUd7p

— Tope Richard (@toprich132) March 7, 2024

Tinubu: bago, how dare you call Peter obi you boss, you even agreed with him??
Bago: ejọo sir, please forgive me

— Rich bloke (@waslallah151518) March 7, 2024