A political pressure group known as 'Bauchi State Youths Democratic Assembly' has described former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barr Yakubu Dogara and the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Umar Buba as envious of the tremendous achievements of Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir necessiating their recent outbursts against the person of the Governor.
Addressing Journalists on Sunday in reaction to the public utterances of the two political heavyweights in the state, the group led by Danjuma Zakka Arewa and Daure David, Leader of the Delegation/Convener, stated that the duo lack the moral standing to castigate the Governor for whatever reason.
The group stated that, "We are compelled to respond to the scathing attack launched by Yakubu Dogara and Shehu Buba Umar against Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi). Their vitriolic outburst is a clear indication of their desperation and frustration with the progress being made in Bauchi State under Governor Mohammed's leadership.'
According to the group, "Governor Mohammed has made significant strides in developing Bauchi State, implementing various projects and programs aimed at improving the lives of citizens."
It stressed that, "They are envying his achievements which include constructing roads across the 20 LGAs, improving transportation and facilitating economic growth, reconstructing and rebuilding the New Government House, providing a conducive working environment for government officials, revamping the health sector, renovating and equipping hospitals and healthcare centers, revamping the education sector, renovating and equipping schools and training teachers, and implementing youths-oriented programs, including skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives."
The group added that,"These achievements are a testament to Governor Mohammed's visionary leadership and commitment to the people of Bauchi State. Dogara's statement, on the other hand, is replete with falsehoods, personal attacks, and a blatant disregard for facts."
"He has consistently demonstrated a lack of understanding of governance and leadership. His criticisms of Governor Mohammed's response to the recent protests are unfounded and mischievous," It added.
It stressed that Dogara's criticism of Governor Mohammed's leadership style is hypocritical, given his own record as Speaker of the House of Representatives. His tenure was marked by inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of accountability as he has no moral ground to question Governor Mohammed's leadership.
The group claimed that, "Shehu Buba Umar has failed to attract any significant projects to his constituency. His statement that Governor Bala is his political mate, not Tinubu, is laughable. He seems to forget how Governor Bala made him caretaker Chairman of Toro LGA in 2019, which he has attested to on many occasions, describing Governor Bala as his political godfather. Dogara and Shehu Buba's allegations are baseless and lack substance. They are simply trying to distract the public from their own failures and shortcomings."
It added that Governor Mohammed's achievements are a clear indication of his commitment to the people of Bauchi State. He has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of citizens, and his efforts are bearing fruit.
Dogara and Shehu Buba's attempts to tarnish his image will not succeed as the people of Bauchi State know the truth and will continue to support their governor.
"We urge the public to disregard Dogara's and Shehu Buba's baseless allegations and appreciate the progress being made in Bauchi State under Governor Mohammed's leadership. Their desperation and frustration will not deter us from our commitment to serving the people of Bauchi State," The group added.
According to the Group,"Governor Mohammed's leadership style is inclusive and participatory. He has engaged with various stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations, to ensure that his policies and programs reflect the needs and aspirations of the people."
It added that,"He has also empowered women and youths, providing them with opportunities to participate in governance and decision-making processes. Dogara and Shehu Buba's allegations of dictatorship and high-handedness are unfounded and mischievous."
"Furthermore, Governor Mohammed has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency and accountability. He has established various mechanisms to ensure that government funds are used judiciously and that corruption is minimized. His administration has also implemented various reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Bauchi State," It added.
Also, the gIn addition, Governor Mohammed has shown a strong commitment to the welfare of citizens. He has implemented various programs aimed at improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. His administration has also provided support to vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities.
Moreover, it is ironic that Dogara fails to acknowledge the wisdom of the electorates in Bauchi State, who saw through his schemes in 2023. Despite the billions of naira pumped into the campaign of his preferred candidate, Air Marshall, from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the people rejected him at the polls.
This was a clear indication that the electorates would not be swayed by financial inducements or deceitful propaganda. Instead, they opted for a leader who has genuinely worked for their interests and well-being. Dogara's inability to accept this reality is a testament to his disconnect from the people and his own political obsolescence.
Former Speaker Dogara and Senator Shehu Buba Umar should know that, Nigerians don't need to be told that the increasing pains, poverty, and hunger are a result of the policies and programs of the Federal government, most importantly the subsidy removal. Nothing Governor Bala Mohammed said is a bitter truth.
Furthermore, Dogara's strategy against Governor Mohammed and the PDP is doomed to fail because it is rooted in his own self-interest and lack of principles. As a politician without values, he has consistently demonstrated a willingness to do whatever it takes to advance his own career, even if it means betraying the trust of his constituents and sabotaging the progress of Bauchi State.
His actions are driven by a selfish desire for power and control, rather than a genuine commitment to serving the people. This approach may have worked in the past, but the people of Bauchi State are now wiser and will not be swayed by his empty rhetoric and deceitful tactics. His strategy is, therefore, dead on arrival, and he will ultimately be left alone to face the consequences of his own political opportunism.
The people of Bauchi State have not forgotten the harmful and anti-people bills sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, which aimed to further burden them with unnecessary financial strain. His attempts to impose bank electronic charges and increase electricity tariffs are still fresh in their minds, and serve as a stark reminder of his disconnect from their struggles and hardships.
According to the group, "These bills, had they been passed, would have only served to line the pockets of wealthy corporations and individuals, while the ordinary people of Bauchi State would have been left to bear the brunt of the increased costs. This is a clear indication of Senator Shehu Buba Umar's priorities, and the people of Bauchi State will not soon forget his attempts to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of his own interests."
The group stressed that, "It is also worth noting that Dogara has a history of questionable behavior, having been accused of budget padding by his former colleague, Jibrin Abdulmuminin. This serious allegation, which was made by someone who worked closely with Dogara, highlights his willingness to engage in unethical conduct for personal gain. Budget padding is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of the budgeting process and betrays the trust of the Nigerian people."
It stated that, "Dogara's alleged involvement in this practice is a clear indication of his lack of principles and his prioritization of personal interests over the public good. This history of questionable behavior makes his current allegations against Governor Mohammed and the PDP all the more suspect, and underscores the need for him to be held accountable for his own actions."
According to the group, "Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Senator Shehu Buba Umar are engaged in a deceitful game to deceive the electorates ahead of the 2027 elections. Their baseless allegations against Governor Bala Mohammed and the PDP are a desperate attempt to distract from their own questionable past, including Dogara's alleged budget padding and Senator Shehu's anti-people bills."
"Their strategy is to incite and instigate the masses, fueling tensions and undermining progress in Bauchi State, all to pave the way for their own candidate in 2027. However, the electorates are wiser and will not be swayed by their empty rhetoric and deceitful tactics, recognizing that their actions are driven by self-interest rather than a genuine commitment to serving the people," It added.
"In conclusion, the people of Bauchi State will not be swayed by the deceitful political games of Dogara and Shehu Buba Umar, and will instead continue to stand with Governor Bala Mohammed, who has demonstrated a genuine commitment to their well-being and progress," The group added.
"We challenge Dogara and Shehu Buba Umar to test their popularity in the forthcoming local government elections in Bauchi State, scheduled for August 17th, 2024. Let them present their candidates and agendas to the people, and may the electorate decide their fate," It stressed.
The group declared that, "We are confident that the people will reject their deceitful tactics and choose leaders who truly represent their interests. The elections will be a litmus test for Dogara and Shehu Buba Umar's popularity, and we are eager to see them face the verdict of the people."
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