By Ahmed Ahmed
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has said that the state government was with the organised youth in expressing their feelings through the nationwide protest.
Mohammed stated this shortly after an emergency security council meeting held at the state government house early Tuesday.
The governor however, affirmed that the state government was not in support of any form of violent protest and would not hesitate to disconnect from such a youth.
“We are with the youth in Bauchi state but at the same time, we are not with them in terms of unleashment of mayhem, violence and destruction of lives and properties.
“We know it’s a protest against bad governance and as an opposition we know that this is something that is a manifestation of democracy. It is the right of the people to show anger.
“There is a lot of hardship and so, definitely, we have to listen, make amends on policies of the federal government, the state and Local Governments and as leaders at various levels, we have to make amends.
Mohammed, who expressed displeasure at the breakdown of law and violence that ensued in Azare, the headquarters of Katagum LGA which led to the declaration of 24-hour curfew, said it was time to protect other innocent Nigerians, the government and the people.
“We cannot allow this breakdown of law and order to go beyond the manifestation we have seen today in Bauchi,” he said.
While commending the security personnel on the way and manner they have responded and arrested the violent protest, the governor said all hands must be on deck to ensure that there is no repeat of what happened in Azare and some parts of Bauchi metropolis.
“We are assuring all the citizens and people of Bauchi of their safety and security through persuasion and ensuring that security agencies go by the rules of engagement.
“This would ensure that there is no arbitrariness, subjectivity and arbitrary use of force and at the same time being firm to ensure that lives and properties are protected,” he assured.