By Ahmed Ahmed
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has advised political officeholders not to allow political differences to distract them from working for people at any level.
Mohammed gave the advice on Thursday during the special Sallah Durbar popularly called Hawan Daushe by the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu and his title holders from across the Emirate held at the Government House Events Centre.
He also stressed that political parties’ differences should not distract the attention of politicians in working for the people.
Mohammed added that there is no need to allow political parties’ differences to be a barrier stressing that the essence of politics is working for the people.
According to him, despite his being a member of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he will continue to support the President, Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to bring more federal presence to the state.
“We in Bauchi state are very lucky with the APC-led Federal Government, we have two key Ministers in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,, as well as Foreign Affairs occupied by two personalities from the state, my younger brothers, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate and Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. They are all doing well.
“Though we belong to different political parties, we are working together for the good of the entire state. That is the beauty of politics and the essence of democracy and democratic governance.
“The Minister of Health has told me that the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) will be completely renovated and there will be a permanent site, there will be a new Teaching Hospital in Azare while there will be a Federal Medical Centre in Misau.”
He added that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will also renovate selected Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) across the state as part of the efforts to boost efficient and effective healthcare delivery services at the grassroots level.
The Governor stressed that, “All these are part of our decision not to be too aggressive about opposition because we want our people to benefit more from the Federal Government. We will continue to be supportive of the President even as play the role of opposition.”
Mohammed also used the occasion to say that his administration has so far constructed over 500 km of roads particularly to open up the rural areas to boost agriculture and promote food security and availability.
He further said that not less than the sum of N300b has been spent on infrastructural development of the state stressing that his focus is to see a better and modern Bauchi State at the end of his tenure.
He added that the government will continue to partner with security agencies to ensure a more secure society, saying, “I make bold to say that Bauchi State remains the safest in Nigeria and we will maintain that stance.”
The Governor then commended the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu for giving the state effective traditional leadership which has continued to motivate him to work for the people.
He particularly commended the Emir as Chairman of the State Council of Trafford Rulers for ensuring that the traditional institutions steered clear of partisan politics which has endeared them with respect and dignity.
He therefore said, “Because of the respect I have for you, this arena is hereby named Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square. It will be a meeting place not only for Durbar but for developmental issues.”
Speaking earlier, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu commended the Governor for embarking on the transformation of the state saying that it is unprecedented and encouraging.
The Emir was particularly elated with the transformation of the Government House which he described as the best edifice that has further brought out the status of Bauchi as the centre of political discourse in the country.
He also commended the Governor’s purpose-driven leadership and applauded the notable sacrifices and bold decisions taken under his leadership, particularly in the area of building up respect for traditional institutions.
The Emir, however, urged the government to make fertilizer and other things needed for farming readily available for the farmers before the setting in of the 2024 farming season as the rain is set to start falling soon based on the forecast.
There was a procession of Horse riders colourfully dressed to add beauty to the Durbar which had been held 101 times in the Emirate to pay differenceshomagdifferences homagent House as a mark of respect.