Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent national broadcast, asserting that state governors were not consulted before the address.
Governor Mohammed voiced his dissatisfaction during a press briefing after an emergency security council meeting at the Government House in Bauchi on Monday. He remarked that the President’s speech failed to reflect the current realities, highlighting a significant disconnect between the government and the citizens.
ELLIPTICAL NEWS reports that the Bauchi state government imposed a 24-hour curfew in Katagum LGA on Monday after violence erupted in Azare. Protesters vandalized the Government House Annex and the residence of a former deputy governor, as well as looted shops.
Responding to questions about the President’s address, Governor Mohammed stated, “I am not a spokesperson for the Presidency, but it is evident that the President's speech was inadequate. It has exacerbated the situation because he did not consult with the governors, who are crucial for understanding the local context. We, along with local government chairmen, listen to our communities and work closely with police commissioners and brigade commanders.”
The governor criticized the President for delivering a speech that lacked empathy and failed to address the concerns of the youth. Regarding the destruction in Katagum LGA, Mohammed noted that an extended emergency security council meeting was held with all stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional institutions, and religious groups, to address the crisis.
Governor Mohammed assured the public that his administration would not permit the nationwide protests against bad governance, known as #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria, to escalate further. He urged the state's citizens to remain law-abiding and maintain peace and stability.
He emphasized that the peaceful protests are a clear indication of the government's failure to fulfill its constitutional and statutory responsibilities at all levels.
