The speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Dr Abubakar Y Suleiman has expressed full support for Governor Bala Mohammed’s critique of the federal government’s economic policies under President Bola Tinubu.
Suleiman said that the concerns raised by Governor Mohammed are not politically motivated but are rooted in the genuine suffering of the people, saying that the current policies have exacerbated existing economic challenges, making life more difficult for ordinary Nigerians.
Recall that during the flag-off of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) local government elections campaign recently, Governor Mohammed expressed grave concerns about the direction of the national economy, accusing the federal government of enacting policies that have led to increased poverty, hunger, and economic hardship across the country.
Speaker Suleiman emphasised that the adverse effects of the federal government’s policies are evident in the daily lives of the citizens of Bauchi State and beyond.
Abubakar in a statement signed by his media aide Mukhtar Garba Kobi yesterday, noted that the economic difficulties are not confined to any particular region but are being felt nationwide, from the North to the South.
He added that the governor’s critique reflects the reality on the ground. “The people of Bauchi State, like many Nigerians, are grappling with the consequences of these policies. As leaders, it is our duty to voice these concerns and advocate for policies that prioritise the welfare of our citizens,” he added.
According to Suleiman, the federal government’s approach needs to be re-evaluated to ensure that the policies in place are not only sustainable but also geared towards alleviating the hardships faced by the majority of the population.
“The challenges we face today require a call to action for all leaders, from the Presidency to the local Government level. We must come together to reassess these policies and find lasting solutions that will work for all Nigerians, not just selected few,” the speaker asserted.
“For some of our political class, we need to realise that we are in a position of authority today or at one time or the other at the behest of our people and our various constituencies. We must have the courage to speak truth to power because whatever we do today, posterity will certainly judge us rightly or wrongly.
“The protest we saw was a reflection of the dissatisfaction among the Nigeria’s populace, and it is their inalienable right to express it as witnessed across the country. If the government is addressing the complaints of the people, there won’t be protests as witnessed, Governor Bala Mohammed should be commended for his courage to speak truth to power,” Sulaiman said.
Suleiman also urged other leaders across the country to join in advocating for a review of the current economic policies, stressing that the well-being of the citizens should be the primary focus of any government. He expressed hope that with collective efforts and genuine concern for the people, better and more effective policies can be implemented to address the pressing issues of poverty, hunger, and economic instability.
The speaker’s strong alignment with Governor Bala Mohammed’s stance underscores the growing concern within Bauchi State’s leadership about the trajectory of the nation’s economic policies under the current administration. As voices within the state government continue to call for change, the pressure on the gederal government to reconsider its approach is likely to intensify.
