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Tag: Bala Muhammed

  • Wike to Bala Muhammed: You lack capacity to lead PDP

    Wike to Bala Muhammed: You lack capacity to lead PDP

    Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed has been advised to stop using the appointment of Nyesom Wike as minister by President Bola Tinubu as an excuse for his lack of capacity to provide leadership as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum.

     Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, in his reaction to a statement by the Bauchi State Governor, casting aspersions on the Minister, said: “it is funny that a known fair-weather politician like Bala Mohammed was the one calling someone else transactional politician.”

    Olayinka reminded Bala Mohammed how he dumped his political godfather and former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda in 2007 and as a member of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), also dumped former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2010 for a ministerial appointment under the PDP government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Read Also: Stop using Wike’s appointment as excuse for your poor leadership, Olayinka tells Bauchi gov

     He asked how Wike being a Minister under the government of President Bola Tinubu, was the reason Bala Mohammed has failed as Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, while running after PDP ticket to contest for President in 2027, a position that he should know will remain in the South till 2031.

     The statement reads in part; “Our attention has been drawn to the ‘say nothing’ press statement that took six days to write, issued by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, and we can’t but sympathize with a man who, out of political greed, has chosen to plunge himself into the deepest part of the river despite not knowing how to swim.

     “First, Governor Bala Mohammed is holding the position of Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum out of political greed, because by convention and practice, the position should be held by one of the PDP Governors in the South. Reason being that the immediate past Chairman of the Forum was from the North, same as the PDP National Chairman.”

  • Stop using Wike’s appointment as excuse for your poor leadership, Olayinka tells Bauchi gov

    Stop using Wike’s appointment as excuse for your poor leadership, Olayinka tells Bauchi gov

    Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed, has been advised to stop using the appointment of Nyesom Wike as a minister by President Bola Tinubu as a justification for his failure to provide leadership as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum.

    Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, made the remark in response to statements by Governor Mohammed, who had cast aspersions on Minister Wike. 

    Olayinka described it as “funny” that a politician like Bala Mohammed, known for shifting political allegiances, would call someone else a “transactional politician.”

    He reminded Mohammed of his history of abandoning political allies, citing his departure from his former godfather and Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda in 2007, as well as his switch from the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) to join the PDP in 2010, securing a ministerial appointment under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    Olayinka questioned how Wike’s role as a minister under President Tinubu could be linked to Mohammed’s failure as chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. 

    Read Also: Unsafe abortions fuel maternal deaths in Nigeria, says LIFE 

    He also pointed out that Mohammed’s pursuit of the 2027 presidential ticket is misguided, given that the presidency is expected to remain in the South until 2031.

    The statement reads in part; “Our attention has been drawn to the ‘say nothing’ press statement that took six days to write, issued by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, and we can’t but sympathize with a man who, out of political greed, has chosen to plunge himself into the deepest part of the river despite not knowing how to swim.

    “First, Governor Bala Mohammed is holding the position of Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum out of political greed, because by convention and practice, the position should be held by one of the PDP Governors in the South. Reason being that the immediate past Chairman of the Forum was from the North, same as the PDP National Chairman.

    “Secondly, despite usurping the position of the PDP Governors Forum because of his rapacious nature, Bala Mohammed has demonstrated lack of capacity to lead the PDP, the reason the party is how it is today. 

    “Sadly, rather than taking responsibilities of leadership and acting the same, Bala Mohammad opted to divide the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), relating with a faction while neglecting the other.

    “For his ineptitude and lack of capacity to lead, Bala Mohammed, has been blaming Ezenwo Nyesom Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister.

    “Do we still need to feed Bala Mohammed with the fact that Wike, a committed member of the PDP is serving in the APC government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is not new in the history of politics and governance in Nigeria?

    “Funny enough, this same Bala Mohammed, became Minister in 2010, while still being a member of the defunct ANPP. His defection to the PDP, months after being appointed as Minister, was to demonstrate his fairweather and anywhere-belle-face politics.

    “Even at that, is it because Wike is a Minister that Bala Mohammed has faltered in carrying out the responsibilities of the position of Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum that he usurped? Could Bala Mohammad have displayed the capacity that he obviously lacked if Wike is not serving in Tinubu’s government?

    “Bala Mohammed’s lack of capacity was the reason the PDP was not allowed to campaign in Bauchi in 2015, even with him as a serving FCT Minister, a shameless history that no politician worth his salt will want to be associated with.

    “For a man like Bala Mohammed to call Wike a ‘transactional politician’, is not only ridiculous, but preposterous.

    “Records of his political treachery are open for everyone to see, except perhaps ostrich Bala Mohammed himself. Despite serving as Personal Assistant (PA) to former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, when he was Minister of Aviation, he fell out with his political godfather, after he (Yuguda) married President Umaru Yar’Adua’s daughter and decamped to the PDP. But when Yar’Adua died, Bala Mohammed quickly took ministerial appointment under the same PDP government”.

  • Group hails Bala Muhammed’s victory at Supreme Court

    Group hails Bala Muhammed’s victory at Supreme Court

    The victory of Bauchi state governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at the Supreme Court has been described as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the judiciary as the ultimate recourse for the common man.

    The Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Vanguard (BAM-V) emphasised that the Supreme Court’s decision upheld the voters’ choice in re-electing Mohammed for a second term, and recognized the positive impact of his good governance.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, January 14, by its director-general, Comrade Mohammed Abubakar Jibo, the group urged unity after the resolution of all election disputes by the Supreme Court.

    It also called for collective support for the governor to propel and strengthen the unprecedented developmental initiatives he has been implementing since assuming office in 2019.

    The statement read: “To us as a group and individuals, we strongly believe that what the Supreme Court verdict represents is the sanctity of the power of the electorates to freely elect their leaders at all levels of government.

    Read Also: God will grant Tinubu good health, long life to turn Nigeria around – Sunday Igboho

    “The Bauchi people spoke through the ballots on March 18, 2023, though the opposition refused to listen to the people’s voice.

    “The people overwhelmingly elected Governor Mohammed for a second term in office as a reward for his hard work in office during his first term and the Supreme Court has said yes clearly and loudly too to their voice.

    “It gladdens us as a group routing for democracy and good governance that the will of the people of Bauchi State has been validated by the Apex Court in Nigeria. Indeed this has further confirmed the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    “Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Bala Mohammed has worked hard to change the narratives of Bauchi State development with the level of unprecedented progress recorded so far which has made the state a pride for all.

    The statement further read: “We, therefore, call on the Governor to continue to bring more dividends of democracy to the people and Bauchi State, knowing that to whom much is given more is expected from him. BAM-V has implicit confidence in him to do more for the people.

    “We the Executive members of BAM-V at the National headquarters join peace-loving people across Nigeria to appeal to the opposition and all people of Bauchi State to avoid fomenting trouble in any parts of the state.

    “It is a fact that Bauchi State is one of the safest States in Nigeria today and this must be encouraged to continue by all. There can never be any meaningful development in a state of chaos.

    “In view of this, let us all join hands with the administration of Governor Mohammed to maintain peace for development and progress.”

  • Flood kills one, wipes out over 100 houses in Bauchi

    One person dead and over 100 houses were destroyed in a flood after heavy rainfall on Monday night in Dindima and Liman Katagum villages in Bauchi local government area.

    The settlement where the incident occurred is dominated by peasant farmers, who were  rendered homeless.

    Read Also: NAFDAC shuts Bauchi package water factory

    The head of Dindima, Malam Sale Ubandoma, confirmed one person died while over 100 houses were affected.

    Governor Bala Muhammed promised to rehabilitate the victims affected by the floods.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Speaker Abubakar Suleman, visited the scene to commiserate with the affected victims.

    He directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to expedite action in ensuring the welfare of the victims by providing relief materials.

    He promised that the bridge will be fixed in no time for the communities to continue with their daily activities

  • Oshiomhole: I’m ashamed of Edo Assembly crisis

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday described as a shame the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly.said a similar situation playing out in the Bauchi State House of Assembly is an open invitation to trouble.

    Minority members of the two assemblies earlier in the week sat and picked speaker and deputy speaker, cleverly leaving out the majority members.

    The situation is generating tension in the two states.

    Receiving briefing on the situation from the majority of the APC state legislators from Bauchi State in Abuja on Friday, Oshiomhole said the crises were unfortunate.

    His words: “Unfortunately, the situation in Bauchi is also similar to the one that is happening in Edo State.

    “I am ashamed to talk about it, but there is nothing to hide.

    “We have a similar situation in Edo where in our own case we have 24/24, all of them APC, but somebody wants a particular person as a Speaker, 19 out of 24 are opposed to this person.”

    He said that the refusal of Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State to inaugurate APC members-elect of the state House of Assembly was an invitation to trouble.

    He said that if the APC did not use state institutions against the inauguration of Mohammed as as  governor, “it is a shame (for the governor) to use federal institutions against the inauguration of  the state assembly.”

    Continuing, he said: “If the governor insists, then he is inviting trouble. If we have not misused federal might and institutions from preventing Bala Mohammed from being inaugurated, it is a shame to use federal institutions against the inauguration of state Assembly.”

    He assured the APC members-elect that the party would  follow the rule of law to get justice, pointing out that his leadership would  write a letter to the Inspector General of Police over the matter.

    Read Also: APC rejects Edo, Bauchi Assembly inaugurations

    On the situation in his own home state, Oshiomhole said: “We will do everything possible to see that that building, being a public property, being the House of Assembly, is opened to the members. Be assured that we are committed to that, and we commend you for your commitment to principles.

    “When you were telling me of invitation to meetings, intimidation and all that, I am fully aware of all those kind of things.

    “I am happy there are many Nigerians who have not  given up; that there are men or women of honour who can resist temptation, but you are an example.

    “We do have outstanding Nigerians at all levels, including Bauchi, who can resist not only monetary inducement and  temptation, but you even resist intimidation and stood for what you believe is right. We are  proud of you, we will stand by you and together we will ensure that the rule of law prevails in Bauchi State.

    Speaking to newsmen after a closed door meeting, former Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly and a member-elect Hon. Kawuwa Shehu,  denied any plan to impeach the Bauchi State governor.

  • Mohammed signs 2019 N197bn Bauchi budget

    The Governor of Bauchi state Senator Bala Muhammed on Friday signed the N197bn 2019 appropriation bill into law.

    The budget was assented to after a downward review from N198bn proposed and submitted to the House of Assembly by his predecessor, Mohammad Abubakar, on December 20, 2018.

    Mohammed said the review of the budget was to incorporate the projects that was in line with manifesto of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

    He had after his inauguration requested the legislators to make a review of the budget to suit his administration’s policies and programmes.

    Read Also: Gov Mohammed orders payment of workers’ salaries

    Speaking after signing the revised budget at the Council Chamber, Government House Bauchi, he expressed appreciation to members of the Assembly for the speedy review of the revised budget.

    He assured the lawmakers of synergy to take the state to “greatest height” with provision of good governance.

    Mohammed said further that his administration would be guided by the Constitution for better performance in line with International best practices.

    Earlier, while presenting the budget to the Governor for assent, Speaker of the House, Mr. Kawuwa Damina said Bala requested for review of the document, therefore the legislators were on their toes to ensure amendment.

    The speaker enjoined the governor to join hands with the Assembly for the speedy development of the state.

  • Tribunal: 60 indigenous lawyers to defend Bauchi gov-elect

    The Body of Bauchi Lawyers of Conscience (BOBOLAC) has submitted 60 names of legal practitioners to defend the state’s governor-elect, Sen. Bala Muhammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the election petition tribunal.

    Mr Shipi Rabo, disclosed this on Saturday in Bauchi at a press cconference by the group, which is made up of indigenous lawyers from the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group of lawyers had previously promised to freely offer services of 50 legal practitioners willing to defend the governor-elect at the tribunal.

    NAN also reports that the tribunal sitting will commence on Monday, April 29.

    Rabo said “This is in keeping with BOBOLAC’s promise to mobilise indigenous lawyers for the defence of the mandate of the governor-elect of Bauchi state, His excellency, Sen. Bala Muhammed at the election petition tribunal.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: We are ready to pay —Bauchi

    “We have formally submitted the list of 60 lawyers who have signed up and given their commitment for this selfless service.

    “Therefore, ahead of the tribunal’s sitting slated for Monday 29th April 2019, the mood in BOBOLAC is that we are ready as well as highly motivated for the challenge.”

    He, however, explained that the reason behind their unwavering support for the gov-elect was a matter of obeying the dictates of their conscience.

    “The reason behind our support for the gov-elect is a matter of obeying the dictates of our conscience in consonance with the observation of Mr. Alexander Williams.

    “Mr Williams was the first indigenous lawyer in Nigeria who said that, the primary role and duty of a lawyer is that he lives for the welfare and progress of his society.

    “As such, the idea of BOBOLAC’s support for the gov-elect is in answer to the needs of our people and a matter of concern for their future,” he said.

  • Bauchi governor-elect, PDP assemble five SANs, 60 other lawyers in defense of mandate

    The Bauchi Governor-Elect, Sen. Bala Mohammed, yesterday disclosed that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party in the state will engage the services of 5 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (SANs), 10 other senior lawyers and 50 indigenous lawyers from Bauchi in defense of his mandate at the election petition tribunal.

    The disclosure followed the petition filed yesterday by the outgoing governor, Mohammad Abubakar, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State challenging his victory in court at the last governorship election.

    Addressing journalists shortly after the submission of the petition yesterday at the tribunal, the APC Chairman, Uba Ahmed Nana, said   Abubakar, the gubernatorial candidate of the party at the last election, is seeking justice from the court.

    The governor-elect however noted that though his party is yet to be served a copy of the petition; it is readily prepared to tackle Governor Abubakar and the APC in the foreseeable judicial contest.

    READ ALSO: Bauchi governor to initiate bill for creation of new districts   

    Addressing newsmen at the Command Guest House in Bauchi, while receiving the group known as the Body of Bauchi Lawyers of Conscience who earlier volunteered to mobilise 50 lawyers in his defense, Mohammed said “The issue of APC taking me to the tribunal is a normal thing; that is why it is provided for in the Electoral Act. I want to use this opportunity to thank my supporters and the people of Bauchi for their show of patience. The petition is nothing to worry about because we have taken necessary measures.”

    “Though we have not been served, once we are served and we see the details, we are going to respond.

    “We are also going to engage our lawyers, about five Senior Advocates of Nigeria, about ten other senior lawyers and 50 Bauchi indigenous lawyers. That is to say the APC petition at the tribunal is dead on arrival due to the support of the Body of Bauchi Lawyers of Conscience (BOBALAC),” he said.

    Mohammed while accepting the offer of BOBOLAC to be part of his legal team said he is highly privileged to be rendered such services by the lawyers of conscience and quality.