Bauchi State Governor Criticizes President’s Nationwide Broadcast, Calls for Empathy and Sympathy
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed his disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s recent nationwide broadcast, stating that no consultation was made with state governors prior to the address. According to Mohammed, the President’s speech did not reflect the reality on ground, highlighting a huge gap between the government and the governed in the country.
The governor made these remarks while addressing journalists at the end of an emergency security council meeting held at the Government House, Bauchi, on Monday. The meeting was convened in response to the escalation of crisis in Azare, headquarters of Katagum, where hoodlums took advantage of a protest to vandalize government properties and loot properties.
Mohammed emphasized that the President’s speech had escalated the situation, as he failed to consult with state governors who are his first line of command at the sub-national level. He urged the President to listen to local government chairmen and other stakeholders to better understand the situation on the ground.
The governor also addressed the destruction of government properties in Katagum LGA, stating that the state government had convened an extended emergency security council meeting to address the situation. He assured the people of the state that his administration would not allow the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance, tagged #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria, to escalate.
Mohammed urged citizens of the state to remain law-abiding and exercise restraint, ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the state. He also emphasized that the peaceful protest was a clear demonstration that government at all levels had failed in the discharge of constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The governor’s comments come as the state government declared a 24-hour curfew in Katagum LGA on Monday, following the escalation of crisis in Azare. The curfew was put in place to maintain peace and order in the area.
