Screening Committee uncovers over 3,850 unauthorized political appointees on Niger State payroll

By Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Crisis is brewing within the Niger State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following a recent screening of political appointees, which has revealed 3,850 unauthorized individuals on the state payroll.
This discovery has halted salary payments amounting to over N600 million.
The screening committee, chaired by Kabir Shehu, a close ally of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, has received commendations for its findings.
However, concerns have arisen that the committee’s report might be ignored for personal or political reasons, raising fears of possible repercussions for those involved.
The screening exercise, mandated by Governor Bago, uncovered numerous instances of misconduct and corruption.
Many residents remain skeptical about the full implementation of the committee’s recommendations, fearing that the findings may not lead to meaningful reform.
Reports indicate that the unauthorized appointees have expressed discontent over the withholding of their September salaries and are currently arguing that these payments are their entitlements as supporters of the APC, leading to concerns and frustrations among party members.
Some appointees have threatened to withdraw their loyalty from the APC if Governor Bago proceeds with dismissals, despite claims of their continued support for the party.
Concerns about the previous political appointment system have been heightened by the discovery that numerous fictitious individuals, such as friends, family members, and acquaintances were added to the payroll under false pretenses.
Reports also have it that some appointees were receiving only partial salaries, undermining the benefits intended for ordinary citizens.
In a separate statement, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, has addressed a fabricated document circulating on social media which falsely claims that one Alhaji Mohammed Rabiu Daja was appointed as Sarkin Yakin Zone C by Governor Bago.
Usman clarified that the document has no authenticity and is entirely misleading.