The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has called on residents to leave in peace with one another as Nigeria celebrates its 62nd independence anniversary, vowing to end banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Governor’s call was disclosed in a statement by his Adviser on Media and Publicity, Muktar Gidado.
The statement read “It is with a deep sense of gratitude to Allah (SWT) that I send you my felicitations on the occasion of the
”62nd Independence Anniversary of our dear country on 1st October 2022. We should all give gratitude to Allah for sparing our lives to witness yet another anniversary.
“As we celebrate the 62nd Independence anniversary, we should reflect on the struggle and sacrifice of the founding fathers of this country and also strive to ensure that their labour shall not be in vain. It is gratifying to note that sixty-two years after independence we have belied the scepticism on our ability to govern ourselves.
”Today, we have shown to the world that 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. The statement said.
He added that like many other countries, Nigeria has in the process of its growth experienced a lot of turbulence in the last 62 years.
”We suffered serious setbacks in the political arena which seriously affected our political and economic growth. The long period of military involvement in the political spectrum of our country seriously retarded the evolution of democracy and its inherent benefits. 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.
“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. In line with the mandate given to us by the people, we are making efforts to provide the necessary infrastructure needed for the development of the State.
He also said that the government has been constructing Rural and Urban roads network across the state. Some of these roads are ongoing, while most of them have been completed and put to use. We have also executed several other projects in the areas of Education, Health, Housing, Agriculture, Water, Power Supply and Poverty alleviation.
“As you are aware, there is a spate of insecurity across the country in the form of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. 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 challenges. I want to assure you that security would continue to be top of our priority list so that the relative peace being enjoyed in the State is sustained.
“We are not unmindful of the present hardship being experienced as a result of the downturn in the nation’s economy. Let me assure you that we shall continue to take palliative measures with a view to cushioning the effect of the hardship on the people. In addition to the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme ( KEEP ) which has been launched in 19 out of the 20 Local Government Areas, we shall also seek other means and ways of improving the socio-economic condition of the generality of the people of the State through collaboration with public-spirited organizations and individuals. By the grace of God Almighty, we shall overcome the hardship with your support, understanding and cooperation.
“We are fast approaching the 2023 general elections, and the ban on electioneering campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections has been lifted by the electoral umpire, INEC. I would therefore like to call all political parties, their candidates and supporters to conduct themselves according to the rules of the game. Contests for elective offices should not be seen as a do-or-die affair, bearing in mind that it is God Almighty that gives power to whoever He likes. It is not, therefore the amount of money, hate speech, fake news or political thuggery that would make contestants emerge victorious during the elections.
“As we celebrate the 62nd Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria, my appeal to all of us is to re-dedicate ourselves to 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.”