Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has urged local government administrations across the state to allow opposition political parties operate in a free atmosphere devoid of rancour or intimidation.
He added that such tolerance is the hallmark for democracy.
He said, “local government administrations are hereby urged and directed to make sure they allow the political spaces for the opposition to operate freely without any hindrance. This is the mark of democracy”.
The governor, who stated this while swearing-in local government caretaker committee chairmen, said the rule of the game must be adhered to.
He said anyone found wanting in this regard would incur the full wrath of the law.
He directed security agencies to apprehend any person or group of persons found to be engaged in unwholesome activity.
“As you know the 2023 general elections are fast approaching and electioneering campaigns are in full gear. I therefore appeal to all political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, and eschew thuggery and other forms of malpractices”.
The governor told the caretaker chairmen that the assignments given to them is a trust as, according to him, they have a duty to Almighty Allah and obligations to their fellow human beings, saying “One day you must give account of your stewardship, as we too we shall account of our stewardship”.
He also warned them not to be tempted to betray the confidence reposed in them as they were in their various duty posts to serve their people, and not to become their bosses.
He stressed that his administration attaches great importance to probity, accountability and strict adherence to due process in governance as indicated by their action since their coming on board as a government.
Mohammed similarly admonished the local government chiefs to be judicious in handling finances of their respective councils.
He urged them to be fair in their dealings with all categories of people, shun bootlickers and rumormongers, and pay special attention to their internally generated revenues to complement what is being given them by the state government and federation account.
He assured the people of the state that his administration will not relent in its efforts to improve their living condition through the provision of infrastructural facilities and social amenities, re-emphasizing that his government has given full autonomy to the local government administrations in the state.
The governor warned the new appointees that the present administration in the state has no place for corrupt, disloyal, indolent and incompetent officials, hence they should be absolutely loyal to the state and be totally committed to its objectives.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let me clearly state that I would not hesitate to remove any official found wanting or disloyal to the government of the day”, he further warned.
