Deputy Governor sacked from Government House , Ibeto leaves this evening

Niger State Deputy Governor, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, is in trouble after his defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress [APC].

Governor Babangida Aliyu is not happy with that and has ordered his ejection from Niger State Government house.

In a letter dated the 27th February 2015 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Rt Hon Idris Ndako, the deputy governor was given up until today (Monday) to relocate to the new office.

One of the aides of the Deputy Governor who spoke on an anonymous condition said they had been directed to relocate to ‘F’ Layout quarters along Bosso road Minna which is about 2 kilometres away from the government house.

The Deputy Governor's office was hitherto located at government house and was located at the back of the Governor’s office which almost linked both offices to each other by the parking lot.

However, Government officials, notably the permanent secretary, Government House, Comrade Hamisu Jankaru have said the move was to give room for routine maintenance and renovation of the Government House.

Reacting, the Deputy Governor said he was not in town and was yet to confirm the authenticity of the said directive relocating him out of Government House adding that when he is back to office he will be able to speak on it.

It would be recalled that Hon. Ibeto was also barred from attending the states council meeting in the wake of his defection to the APC.

Also, Governor Babangida Aliyu has recently boycotted his deputy and handed of the affairs of the state to the Niger state Speaker to act as Governor pending his return from lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The State Government had explained that it was left with no choice but to hand over to the Speaker as Ibeto has himself proceeded for the lesser Hajj before the Governor without the Governors approval as is constitutionally provided.

But Ibeto has since debunked the claim stating that he was still in the country. He also stated that although he has planned and has written to the Governor of his intention to travel for the lesser Hajj, Governor allowing has proceeded without acknowledging receipt.

Following the development, Ibeto stated that even though the Speaker of the state has be asked to act as Governor despite his presence, he would still remain in Niger state as it would be improper for the Governor and his deputy to leave town same time.