"When a towering baobab stands firm, a creeping vine cannot claim its shade."
In the unfolding political duel between Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, the distinction is clear—one stands tall with purpose, deeply rooted in the struggles and aspirations of the people, while the other clings to relevance, stirring dust yet offering no substance.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has firmly established himself as the voice of the common man. His stance on the federal government’s tax policies is not mere political rhetoric—it is a reflection of the hardship endured by everyday Nigerians. Unlike those who sit in the comfort of high office, insulated from the economic struggles of the masses, Bala Mohammed understands firsthand the weight of these reforms on traders, artisans, and civil servants struggling to make ends meet.
Under his leadership, Bauchi State has undergone undeniable transformation. From education to infrastructure, healthcare to youth empowerment, Bala has demonstrated a commitment to real governance. Roads have been constructed, schools rehabilitated, healthcare facilities upgraded, and employment opportunities expanded—tangible progress that resonates with the people. While no administration is without challenges, Bala has prioritized steady and meaningful development over empty grandstanding.
But beyond his achievements, Bala Mohammed has emerged as a national figure advocating for policies that prioritize survival over abstract economic theories. His critique of President Tinubu’s tax reforms is not an act of defiance—it is an appeal for fairness, a call for policies rooted in economic realities rather than theoretical projections. In a political climate often dominated by sycophancy and silence, Bala’s courage to speak truth to power sets him apart as a statesman, not just a politician.
In stark contrast, Yusuf Tuggar, despite holding the prestigious position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, remains an enigma in the political landscape of Bauchi. His influence in the state is barely felt, his connection to the people tenuous at best. While his portfolio is critical on the international stage, his engagement with local realities is minimal, if not altogether absent.
Unlike Bala Mohammed, who worked his way up through sheer determination and public service, Tuggar found his way into Tinubu’s administration not by merit or political relevance, but by swindling his way through the backdoor, riding on the coattails of Aisha Buhari’s political maneuvering. A man rejected by his own people at the ballot box, Tuggar could never have earned his current position through the will of Bauchi voters—so he found a shortcut, exploiting political correctness and favoritism to secure a federal appointment. Yet, despite this elevation, he remains a distant figure, neither advocating for Bauchi’s interests at the national level nor making any meaningful impact in the state.
Tuggar's political history is littered with evidence of his disdain for the good people of Bauchi State. His indifference is not new; it has been a consistent theme throughout his career. Unlike Bala Mohammed, who tirelessly fights for Bauchi’s development, Tuggar has actively distanced himself from the state, showing neither commitment nor concern for its progress.
Rather than using his ministerial position to attract international investments, development programs, or diplomatic partnerships that could benefit Bauchi, he has chosen to engage in empty political bickering. His rebuttals to Bala’s advocacy on tax reforms have been hollow, failing to propose any meaningful alternatives or solutions. Instead of standing as a bridge between federal policies and local realities, he appears content with distant rhetoric that fails to inspire confidence among the people of Bauchi.
At this point, one must ask: If Tuggar were to stage a homecoming rally in Bauchi, would he even recognize the streets, or would he need Google Maps to find his way? Leadership is not a tourist attraction—it requires presence, connection, and genuine service. Tuggar’s relevance in Bauchi politics is like a mirage in the desert—always appearing distant, never materializing into anything meaningful. While Bala Mohammed walks the streets, engages with the people, and fights for their well-being, Tuggar remains a political absentee landlord whose only claim to the people is a surname, not service.
Leadership is not just about occupying a position; it is about impact. Bala Mohammed’s leadership is felt in every corner of Bauchi, from the bustling markets to rural communities. His governance is defined by direct engagement, empathy, and tangible results. Tuggar, on the other hand, has yet to demonstrate any significant contribution to the welfare of his people beyond political posturing.
History will not judge leaders by their titles but by their actions. While Bala Mohammed stands with the people, fighting for policies that safeguard their survival, Yusuf Tuggar’s detachment raises a fundamental question—does he truly understand the struggles of the people he claims to represent?
The people of Bauchi have already made their choice. They stand with Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, a leader who speaks for them because he stands among them. Tuggar and others who feel threatened by Bala’s truth should reflect on why it resonates so deeply. Perhaps in doing so, they will come to understand the difference between wielding power and using it responsibly. And if Tuggar ever decides to reconnect with the grassroots, he may want to start by asking for directions—after all, he has been away for far too long.
Yakubu Adamu, Ph.D.
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Bauchi State
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