Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has defended his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu, saying it was done in good faith and as a constructive opposition to the government’s policies. The governor made the statement before the commencement of the Bauchi State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on Wednesday.
Mohammed said his criticism was not meant to cause any disaffection or insult, but rather to draw attention to the plight of Nigerians and the need for the government to listen to their concerns. He noted that the president’s call for protesters to suspend their demonstrations and engage in dialogue was “very empty”, and that more concrete actions were needed to address the issues.
The governor’s comments had sparked controversy, with some political leaders in the state, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and Senator Shehu Buba, criticizing his stance. However, Mohammed maintained that his outburst was a wake-up call to the federal government and sub-national governments to heed the cries of citizens and address the issues of bad governance.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mohammed emphasized that it was wrong to blame only the federal government for bad governance, as states also had a role to play. He urged governors to take responsibility for their actions and implement national policies effectively, rather than blaming others for their failures.
The governor also stressed that his criticism was not about partisan politics, but rather about accountability and responsibility. He appreciated the support of members of the council and expressed his gratitude for their sense of comradeship over the years.
Mohammed’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including economic instability and insecurity. His call for accountability and action from government officials is seen as a welcome development by many Nigerians who are demanding change from their leaders.
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