Bauchi State Within The Week Under Review -By Sulaiman Maijama’a

Despite the hash weather and the Ramadan fasting, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State Sen. Bala Mohammed had a hectic week full of activities, geared towards moving the state forward.

The week beginning Monday April 26, 21, the governor hosted stakeholders from Katagum for Ramadan breakfast held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi.

Welcoming the delegation, the Governor expressed his delight to the stakeholders for honouring his invitation, saying that Katagum is his second home.

He used the medium to express his gratitude to his Deputy Sen. Baba Tela for his immense contributions to the success of his administration, saying that having Sen. Tela as his deputy is a pleasure.

Governor Bala took time to reveal to the stakeholders his administration’s efforts to providing dividends of democracy to the people of Katagum Emirate. According to Governor Bala, recently his administration has awarded contract for road constructions in the area.

He added that his administration had completed some road projects abandoned by the previous administrations and was determined to modernizing Katagum, the State’s second city.

Governor Bala further stated that so far hundreds of schools had been renovated and equipped with furniture and modern facilities and renovation of PHCs and of boreholes have been built in the area.

He, therefore, solicited for support, cooperation and prayers calling on the stakeholders to continue to be calm and commended his appointees from the area.

Earlier speaking the stakeholders commended the Governor for the measures taken so far in strengthening the security in Katagum and other parts of the State as well as tremendous projects executed in the area, calling on him to do more.

The Deputy Governor, Sen. Baba Tela, members BAHA, Honorable Commissioners and top government officials, LGA chairman, party excos and other appointees from the area were present during the breakfast.

Despite the Ramadan fasting and unfriendly weather, governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Tuesday, April 27, 21 inspected a couple of on-going projects in Kirfi, Alkaleri and Bauchi LGAs of the State.

The Governor while at Kirfi expressed dissatisfaction with the level and condition of the on-going renovation of Kirfi General Hospital. He said government would not condone compromise from contractors, therefore, the awarded contract stands revoked and legal action would be taken.

He lamented that all the General Hospitals in the state are in dire need of renovation, saying that his administration would do the needful in its quest to improving the healthcare system of the State.

While inspecting some projects in Badara, the Governor revealed that his administration would soon construct road that would link Kirfi with Gombe-Abba of Gombe State.

He said already his administration had completed construction of boreholes and was determined to taking measures to curb the menace of deforestation and erosion in the area.

Governor Bala however inspected the completed construction of Nassarawan Dindima Primary School, boreholes and PHCs.

According to the Governor his administration would ensure speedy completion of all the awarded contracts of roads, school and PHC renovations.

He used the opportunity to pay condolence visits at Gwaram and Alkaleri where he sympathized with families, friends and associates on behalf of Bauchi State Government.

Ongoing projects of Sam Njoma, Shafa roundabout to Wikki road as well as expansion of the Government House were part of the sites visited by the Governor.

At the evening of Tuesday, as it is with his tradition, governor Bala Mohammed hosted stakeholders from Bauchi Local Government Area of the State on a Ramadan breakfast held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi.

Welcoming the stakeholders, the governor thanked them for honouring his invitation and urged them to continue to support his administration.

He recalled how Bauchi supported him with massive vote in 2019 which resulted in his victory. He, therefore, promised to reciprocate the gesture by giving needed opportunity in governance to enable them contribute positively to the success of his administration as well as strengthening democracy in State.

Governor Bala pledged to support business activities in the State for economic development under the Kaura Economic Empowerment Program (KEEP).

He added that the ongoing projects in Bauchi Metropolis are in appreciation of the love and support of the people of the LGA and to modernize the State’s Capital.

Bala Mohammed used the medium to welcome decampees to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) including Jamilu Umar Dahiru, Kabiru Barwa and Uban Dawaki.

The Chairman of Bauchi Local Government and that of PDP, Deputy Speaker, BAHA, Honorable Dallami Kawule, Jamilu Dahiru, Garba Noma said Bauchi Local Government is a major beneficiary of the developmental projects of Governor Bala.

The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the development and promised to continue to support the Governor to succeed.

In his remark, State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Hamza Koshe Akuyam challenged the stakeholders of the PDP in Bauchi LGA to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture by working on the victory of the party at all times.

Wednesday, April 28,21 was eventful as well as governor Bala Mohammed engaged in a number of functions. The Governor donated a new brand Jac Hilux to the vigilante group of Nigeria, Azare branch.

Presenting the key of the vehicle to organisation at the Government House Bauchi, Governor Bala said the gesture was to support the volunteer security outfit to discharge its duties effectively.

The Governor Hoped that with the new brand patrol vehicle, the vigilante group in Azare would redouble efforts at contributing in tackling crime and criminality in the area.

Governor Bala who expressed concern on the current criminal activities in Azare, called on security agencies in the area to work collectively to overcome the situation.

The leadership of the vigilante group in Bauchi state expressed gratitude to Governor Bala for the gesture, promising to reciprocate it by working towards the maintenance of peace and security in the state.

At the evening Sen. Bala Abdulkadir hosted Media practitioners and leadership of organized labour in Bauchi state on a Ramadan breakfast held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi.

Governor Bala while welcoming the invited guests, thanked them for honouring his invitation describing journalism profession as his constituency.

The Governor expressed his profound gratitude to the entire journalists in Bauchi state for their support to his administration urging them to sustain it for the success of the government.

He reaffirmed the determination of his administration to strengthen and reposition the state owned Media outfits for effective service delivery.

Governor Bala also appreciated members of his social media team for their outstanding performance in protecting the image of his administration on social networks.

Turning to labour matters, the Governor promised to continue working with the organized labour in order to restore the lost glory of the service.

The Chairmen of the NUJ and that of Labour Congress, Comrade Umar Sa’idu and Danjuma Saleh commended Governor Bala for his commitment towards improving the capacity of journalists and workers in the state.

Others who spoke at the occasion include His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Sen. Baba Tela, Special Adviser on Media, Comrade Muktar Gidado both enjoined journalists and the leadership of organized labour to sustain their support to the Governor for better performance.

On Thursday April 29, 21 the Executive Governor of Bauchi State Senator Bala Mohammed departed Bauchi for Abuja to attend the NEC meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which held at the Party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

To prove how he values education, on his way to Abuja, the governor stopped at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport Bauchi to interact with students and pupils of Pilgrims Christ School Bauchi who were at the airport for excursion.

Upon his arrival to Abuja, the Governor who spoke on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, commended the NWC for it’s commitment towards maintainance of the Party’s unity.

He said the Forum was working assiduously towards making sure unity and success of the PDP are maintained and strengthened.

Governor Bala added that despite the security challenges in the country, the PDP Governors are doing well in terms of executing numerous developmental projects in their various states and they remain committed and loyal to the Party.

Governor Bala said the PDP Governors’ Forum is deeply concerned over the security situation in Nigeria adding that the storm would be overcome.

He, therefore, thanked the leadership of the Party for working closely with the Forum saying that the Africa’s largest political party would reclaim its stolen mandate come 2023.

At the evening as usual, Sen. Bala Mohammed hosted youths, women and other stakeholders from different groups on a Ramadan breakfast held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi.

The Governor while welcoming the invited guests to the Government House Bauchi thanked them for their support to his administration.

He appreciated both women and youths for not engaging in social vices and promised to support them to alleviate their sufferings.

Governor Bala said his administration would soon embark on massive empowerment across the State to empower youths and women for self reliance.

He directed his Special Adviser on Local NGOs to register and compile the list of local groups to enable them benefit from the gesture.

Other speakers at the forum were the State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Hamza Koshe Akuyam, Special Adviser on Poverty Alleviation, Special Adviser on Community Development and SSA on Youth, where they appreciated Governor Bala for his determination and commitments towards improving the lives of youths and women in the State.

Friday April 30th, 21 was also eventful to the governor as he launched Costed Model Action Plan Committee.The Governor during the occasion held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, however, inaugurated an implementation committee on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law.

Governor Bala who welcomed the publication of CMAP for the implementation of the Bauchi State VAPP law said his administration was committed to its successful implementation.

He said all stakeholders had an obligation to participate in creating a peaceful and safe environment for the growth and development of the State.

He called on the committees to work together for zero tolerance to all forms of violence in the State so as to eliminate violence against persons in the society.

According to the Governor, Bauchi is the first state to domesticate VAPP in the North Eastern Nigeria, adding that implementation of the law would only be possible if supported by targeted financial and other resources.

Governor Bala said the Costed Model Action Plan is relevant to the overall response to ending violence against persons in Bauchi State and it offers a multi-sectoral and standardized approach that can be applied at all levels in which its goals are attainable in a specific timeframe.

He, therefore, acknowledged the partnership and support of development partners including the United Nations Women and the Government of United Kingdom for the funding and technical support provided for the implementation of the project in the State.

In their goodwill messages, the state First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, UN Women Deputy Country Representative, Lansana Wonneh and the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt Honorable Abubakar Y Suleiman commended Governor Bala for the inauguration of the committees which according to them would go a long way in achieving the desired objectives.

At the evening of Friday, the Executive Governor hosted Islamic clerics from the three Senatorial Districts of the State on a Ramadan breakfast held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi.

While welcoming the Islamic Preachers to the Government House Governor Bala expressed appreciation to them for honouring his invitation.

The Governor appreciated their support and cooperation to his administration especially prayers and called on them to sustain.

He used the medium to brief the clerics on efforts his administration makes to sanitize the State’s payroll with a view to source more resources for execution of more developmental projects.

Governor Bala sought for their support in that direction and in the implementation of other developmental programmes and policies of his administration.

On separate remarks the clerics expressed gratitude to Governor Bala for organising the Iftar in their honour and prayed to Almighty Allah to reward him abundantly.

They promised to continue to support him through pervent prayers for the success of his administration.

Prominent Islamic Preachers present during the iftar include Sheikh Sani Rijiyar Lemo, Alaramma Yahuza Bauchi, Sheikh Mansur Isah Yalwa, Mohammed Ibn Ali, Imam Ibrahim Idris, Malam Mustapha Baba, Malam Balarabe Isah among others.

On a sad note, Sen. Bala Mohammed on Saturday, May 1st, 21, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Reverend Shayubu Byal, former rector, Bayara Theological College.

Governor Bala who expressed shock over the death of the cleric described him as a peacebuilder whose life was full of love and dedication to his community, state and the country.

He said Bauchi State and Nigeria had today lost a pillar and patriot, praying for his soul to find a salvation thereafter.

Governor Bala sympathized with the family, friends and associates of the Christian Community in the State saying that the loss of Reverend Byal is an irreparable.

He extended condolences on behalf of his family and the Government and people of Bauchi State promising to take responsibility of the funeral expenses.

In their separate remarks on behalf of the deceased family and the RCC/DCC, Reverend Iliya Dansarki, Chairman DCC and a brother to the late Byal said they are happy despite the mourning session for the Governor’s visit and gesture to the family.

Governor Bala was accompanied to the condolence by the Deputy Speaker, BAHA, Danlami Kawule among other top government officials.

At the evenings of Saturday as usual, Executive Governor hosted Emirs from the six Emirates of the State and other traditional rulers on a Ramadan breakfast held at the Banquet Hall, Government House Bauchi.

Welcoming them, Governor Bala said the forum affords him an opportunity to interact with them for possible improvements in critical sectors.

The Governor appealed to the Emirs and District Heads not to relent in supporting security agencies in their domains to ensure maintenance of peace and security in the State.

Governor Bala assured the traditional leaders that the committee under the chairmanship of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela is working assiduously to bring to an end challenges in the payment of salaries and pensions.

He pledged to come up with new policy to enhance and improve the welfare of traditional rulers for effective service delivery.

Speaking at the forum, the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt Honorable Abubakar Y Suleiman applauded the foresight of the Governor for deeming it fit necessary to organise such a forum.

Rt Honorable Abubakar Y Suleiman assured the Emirs and other invited guests that the BAHA will continue to support the State Government for the development and progress of Bauchi State.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu who spoke on behalf of the invited guests expressed gratitude to Governor Bala for his respect and support to traditional institutions of the State.

Dr. Rilwanu Adamu appreciated the Governor for renovation of palaces across the State and appealed for provision of vehicles to them.

Also speaking, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Faruk Umar expressed gratitude to the Governor for organizing the iftar in their honour and prayed for Almighty Allah to reward him abundantly.

The Katagum Emir commended the Governor for ensuring justice and equity in the distribution of dividends of democracy across the State and welcomed the projects awarded in Katagum Emirate.

He acknowledged the outstanding performance of Governor Bala in less than two years of his administration, saying the Emirs enjoy working with his administration.

In attendance were Speaker, BAHA, Rt Honorable Abubakar Y Suleiman, his Deputy Dallami Ahmed Kawule, Emirs of Bauchi, Katagum, Misau, Ningi and Dass.

Maijama’a compiles from Faculty of Communication, BUK.
sulaimanmaija@gmail.com