Niger Governor’s aide Musa Muhammad allegedly slapped NANISS President Muhammad Isah Bashi during a tense student convention in Minna, amid accusations of government interference.
MINNA — The Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation to Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Musa Muhammad, popularly known as Historian, has been accused of assaulting the outgoing National President of the National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS), Muhammad Isah Bashi.
The incident reportedly occurred during the association’s national convention held at Gidan Matasa, Minna, over the weekend. Eyewitnesses said the clash began when a female delegate was harassed while attempting to cast her vote. Bashi, who stepped in to intervene, was allegedly slapped by Musa.
An eyewitness told SaharaReporters: “Musa slapped Bashi when Bashi stepped in to protect a female student who was threatened and harassed by Musa while she wanted to cast her vote.” Another source added that Musa warned, “I will slap you also,” before striking him.
The confrontation underscored ongoing tensions between elected student leaders and government-appointed aides accused of interfering in NANISS affairs, including collecting money from aspirants and influencing election outcomes.
Despite disruptions and clashes, delegates elected a representative from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, over the candidate reportedly backed by state officials.
NANISS has previously accused the state of neglecting education funding and delaying bursary payments, sparking student unrest.