Shun divisive tendencies, Group urges politicians

The Bauchi State Coalition of Christian Youths and Elders in Politics has urged politicians in the state to follow in the footsteps of the Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed by not showing religious segregation.

The charge was made during a press conference by the group held in Bauchi on Tuesday led by the Chairman, Joel Joshua and Secretary Danladi Audu.

The group stated, “We frown at any politician who is having the mindset of religious difference in the conduct of his or her constitutional responsibility, because whoever is elected or selected, automatically becomes for all.”

The group, in the text titled, ‘2027: Our Position on Inclusive Governance as a Yardstick to Supporting Political Office Seekers’, commended the Governor for operating an all-inclusive administration since he was elected in 2019.

“We have watched with keen interest for some time now, the way and manner our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed has been piloting the affairs of our dear Bauchi state without any discrimination against any segment of the society.

“The Governor has since inception in 2019, exhibited a high sense of inclusive governance across both religious and ethnic divides, indeed, he is the most detribalised Governor Bauchi state has ever produced.

“For us, the Coalition of Christian Youths and Elders in Politics, Bala Abdukadir Mohammed is not only a Christian-friendly Governor but a multi-religious and multi-ethnic friendly Governor.

“We are not unmindful of the Governor’s many good tidings to the Christian community in Bauchi state. Since inception, the Governor has ensured that the massive votes he got from the Christian community in 2019 and 2023 is been appreciated in the area of appointments, Jerusalem pilgrimage seats, and provision of food and non-food items during religious festivities, among others.

“Last year alone, the Governor sponsored 176 Christians to Israel for the Jerusalem pilgrimage, the highest number in the history of sponsorship of Christian Pilgrims in Bauchi. He also gave each of them 100 dollars as pocket money to make them comfortable while in the holy land of Israel,” the group said.

It stated that as the Governor geared towards the end of his two terms, precisely come 2027, “we are counting on him not to abandon the State in the hands of anonymous people, let him help the state by sourcing for a trusted hand who will take over the governance of Bauchi come 2027.

“We need someone who shares in the Governor’s vision to continue from where he will stop. We know His Excellency very well, he is a man of high taste, and high quality in terms of leadership and service delivery to the people, inclusive governance, transparency and accountability are his watchwords, he will not abandon the state in the hands of anonymous person who has no vision for the state.

“Under the administration of Bala Mohammed, the people are rejoicing and we have not groaned since the coming of His Excellency in 2019 to date. We are very sure that the people of Bauchi state would like the situation to continue after he finishes his second tenure.

“The sustainability of good governance, developmental projects and programmes of Senator Bala Mohammed can only be guaranteed if he brings forth the best brain, his replica to take over from him come 2027.

“We are confident that when we get to the bank of the river, His Excellency will definitely bring someone who has the love of Christians in his heart as a viable Governorship candidate for the people of Bauchi state to affirm his victory at the polls with their lawful votes, this we are sure he will do, considering his vast experience as a federalist, a seasoned politician, an administrator per excellence and a worthy son of Bauchi State.

“We wish to also add our voice to the numerous calls by different groups and individuals on the Governor to contest for the office of the president in 2027, our support and prayers is assured because it is only people like His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed that are capable of salvaging Nigeria from the myriads of socio-economic and security challenges it is facing. We are optimistic that he will expand his expertise in governance at the federal level if given the opportunity to become the president.

“Bala Mohammed has done so much for Bauchi in the area of security to lives and properties of the citizens, Bauchi has become one of the safest states in the Northeast, thereby witnessing the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) which has overstressed infrastructural facilities in the state but the Governor has been working tirelessly to manage and cater for the needs of the growing population, with everyone having a sense of belonging.

“Senator Bala Mohammed has been a strong advocate of one Nigeria. While in the Senate, Bala Mohammed demonstrated his love for Nigeria by spearheading the “Doctrine of Necessity” that produced Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President, this bailed Nigeria out of political quagmire then.

” Following President Yar’Adua’s death on 5 May 2010, Goodluck Jonathan, as Acting President, was sworn in as the substantive president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 6 May 2010.

“As Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed has appointed many Christians both youths and Elders into various government positions too many to mention. We are honoured to have him pilot the affairs of government in the state and we look forward to having him as president of Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027.

“Governor. Bala Mohammed is a man of integrity and wisdom and is a leader who is passionate about peace, progress and development. He came into power at a time when Nigeria was faced with a serious economic downturn, with many states relying heavily on the excuse of paucity of funds not to perform instead, as a committed reformer with love for his people and the state, he embraced innovative ideas that has today transformed Bauchi state into the focal point of good governance in the country,” It added.