The Chairman of the Democracy Watch Initiative’s Gombe State Chapter has issued a strong defense of Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, responding to what he describes as “unpalatable reports” in various media outlets targeting the governor’s record.
In a press statement released yesterday, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman Akko characterized recent criticisms of Governor Mohammed as “sponsored hatchet jobs” aimed at discrediting the governor’s achievements. He identified two primary factors behind these attacks: the governor’s opposition to certain federal government policies and his efforts to unite opposition parties.
According to Dr. Akko, Governor Mohammed’s stance against federal policies, particularly regarding fuel price increases over the past 18 months, has put him at odds with supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “Many apologists of President Tinubu’s government are lining up to attack his record of service in Bauchi State,” the statement noted.
The Democracy Watch chairman, who hails from neighboring Gombe State, contrasted Bauchi’s current development with its previous reputation. He recalled that visitors to Gombe had often commented on Bauchi’s lack of basic infrastructure. However, Dr. Akko asserted that under Governor Mohammed’s leadership, Bauchi has undergone significant transformation, particularly in:
– Urban and rural development
– Educational institution upgrades
– Healthcare center improvements
– Agricultural support initiatives
Dr. Akko emphasized that these developments have made Bauchi “one of the fastest developing states in Nigeria.”
The statement also addressed Governor Mohammed’s efforts to consolidate opposition parties, suggesting that this has drawn criticism from “certain elements of the Nigerian government” who oppose a unified opposition. Dr. Akko defended these efforts, stating that “Nigeria needs a vibrant opposition” and that “every democratic system thrives when the opposition parties play their part.”
While acknowledging his position as an observer from a neighboring state, Dr. Akko invited critics to personally visit Bauchi to verify the governor’s achievements. He expressed confidence that “even the staunchest critics of Senator Bala Mohammed will attest to his giant strides.”
The statement concluded with an encouragement to Governor Mohammed to remain focused on his current path, describing it as “selfless service to his people and to the people of Nigeria as a whole.”
Democracy Watch Initiative, a civil society organization focused on promoting democratic governance, has been active in monitoring political developments across Nigeria’s northeastern states. Dr. Akko’s statement comes amid growing debate over the relationship between state and federal governments in Nigeria’s federal system.