It has been observed that the long period of military involvement in the political spectrum of Nigeria had seriously retarded the evolution of democracy and its inherent benefits.
The assertion was made by the Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir in his 63rd Independence anniversary message.
The Governor, In the message, stated that, “It is, however, gladdening that today, democracy has found its roots in the country. The dividends of democracy are manifest and the citizens are happy.”
He stated that, “Like many other countries, however, Nigeria has in the process of its growth, experienced a lot of turbulence in its 63 years of existence as an independent country. We suffered serious setbacks in the political arena which seriously affected our political and economic growth.”
According to him, “Today, we have shown to the world that, against all odds, we are not only able to govern ourselves, but are able to understand our differences, respect each other’s values and unite towards developing our country despite our diverse cultures.”
According to him, “We in Bauchi State have taken a multi-dimensional approach to all the developmental projects which resulted in success all round, particularly in infrastructural development.”
He added that, “Having been granted another mandate by the good people of Bauchi State to run the affairs of the State for another Four years, I want to assure you that we will redouble our effort and work harder to provide more dividends of democracy than we did during our first term.”
Bala Mohammed lamented that there has been spate of insecurity of recent in some parts of the State in the form of banditry and kidnapping stating however that,”As a responsible and responsive Government, we have taken measures in collaboration with security agencies to protect the lives and property of our people by swiftly addressing any form of security challenge.”
He stressed that, “I want to assure you that, security would continue to be top on our priority so that the relative peace being enjoyed in the State is sustained.”
The Governor further stated that, “As you all know, the present hardship being experienced as a result of the withdrawal of subsidy on patrol is receiving the attention of both the Federal and State Governments through the provision of palliatives to cushion the effect of the hardship. Already food and non-food items are being distributed to the most vulnerable people.”
According to him,”I want to assure you that the State Government would not relent in its effort to ensure that the effect of the hardship is reduced to the barest minimum. I call on you to exercise more patience and cooperate with the Government in its effort to bring succor to you all.”
” As we celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria, my appeal to all of us is to re-dedicate ourselves to the development of our country, be patriotic and above all continue to pray to Almighty Allah to shower His mercy and blessings on us so that we can continue to live in peace with one another and make our State and country great,” he appealed.
Bala Mohammed called that, “The 63rd Independence anniversary should be used to reflect on the struggle and sacrifice of the founding fathers of this great country and also strive to ensure that their labour shall not be in vain.”
He added that, “It is gratifying to note that sixty three years after independence we have belied the skepticism on our ability to govern ourselves.”
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