Tension rocked the national convention of the National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS) in Minna at the weekend as Governor Umar Bago’s aide, Musa Muhammad, popularly known as Historian, allegedly slapped the association’s outgoing National President, Muhammad Isah Bashi.
The incident occurred at Gidan Matasa, venue of the convention, when a female delegate was reportedly harassed while attempting to vote. Eyewitnesses said Bashi intervened to protect her, prompting an altercation with the governor’s aide.
“Musa slapped Bashi when he stepped in to protect the girl,” an eyewitness said. Another claimed the aide warned, “I will slap you also,” before attacking him.
The clash reportedly stemmed from interference by government appointees in student union affairs. Several aides, including the Director-General of Students Affairs, Bello Barau Shariff, were accused of influencing election outcomes and collecting money from aspirants.
Despite the disruption, delegates eventually elected a representative from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, as NANISS president, defeating Mubarak Gambo of the Kwara State College of Health, whom the stakeholders reportedly backed.
Observers say the fracas reflects growing political interference in student leadership and deepening divisions within the association.
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