Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has urged the people of the state to stop ethno-religious discrimination, stressing that diversity is the strength of unity and peaceful co-existence anywhere.
The governor therefore said that he will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the diversity of the state is harnessed for growth and development, irrespective of the ethno-religious diversity.
Bala Mohammed was speaking on Saturday while flagging off the construction of the 4.6km Sabon Kaura, Birshi, BRC FM, 2.6km Gwallameji, Doka, Rafin Zurfi, Dass, and 1.1km Bayara roads in Bauchi LGA, stressing that he will work with the traditional institutions to ensure that nobody is discriminated against based on ethno-religious differences.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate any forms of division along ethno-religious lines because, according to him, “We are one; we were created to live together as one, and we must tolerate each other.”
The governor further said, “Every Christmas, we open the gates of the government house to accommodate Christian women to show them that we care for them. We are not doing that for the Muslim women because we don’t have anywhere to accommodate them inside the government house because of their number.”
He lamented that the communities that are on the outskirts of Bauchi have suffered neglect by past administrations because they are in the minority.
According to him, “I cannot wish you people away because you have always stood by me since I ventured into politics in 2007. You voted for me in the Senate, and in 2019, you voted for me; in 2023, you repeated it for my second term.”
He also said, “I promised to construct roads for you, and today, I am happy to fulfil the promise. My hope is that you will continue to be peace-loving people and live peacefully with others.”
“As you are agitating for me to go up to manage Nigeria, I have to start from here, manage the diversity in Bauchi State, and be fair and just to all, irrespective of the ethno-religious differences. That is how God created us in Nigeria, he added.
The governor commended the Christian-dominated areas for their patience and cooperation over the years, saying, I am particularly proud of you; you have not allowed bad eggs to infiltrate you, and you have remained peaceful since I came on as the governor of Bauchi State.”
He assured them that his administration would continue to pursue peace and unity in the state, stressing that it is only in a peaceful atmosphere that development can be made.
Bala Mohammed also said his administration remains committed to the replication of infrastructure, as it plays a key role as an enabler that will accelerate economic growth and enhance the social economic growth of the people.
He said that “these projects, once completed, will boost our economy and strengthen community ties, considering the significance of the roads during farming season.”
He affirmed that his administration is dedicated to ensuring their timely completion and extended his gratitude for the support from the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, the traditional institutions, and the citizens.
He said that their backing is invaluable, as together we strive to create lasting legacies, affirming that his administration is gearing up to launch initiatives to further alleviate economic hardship across the state because it is focused on enhancing the well-being of our people.
He added that another 5-kilometre road that will link Gwallagan Mayaka with Dandanko has been added, emphasising the importance of enabling them to transport their agricultural products to markets to improve the standard of living and boost economic growth and development.
The governor urged the people of Bauchi State to continue supporting the administration as it makes efforts to address the poor road network facing various communities across the state.
In his remarks, the Works and Transport Commissioner, Hon. Ibrahim Gambo Galadima, emphasised the importance of the road, considering that it leads to connecting various communities across the axis.
A representative of the construction company, Triacta Ng Ltd., assured the governor of the quality execution of the project according to the specifications. However, he solicited the cooperation and support of the community members to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alh Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, expressed gratitude in a vote of thanks, stating that the entire community in the Bauchi Emirate would remain grateful to the Governor for implementing high-quality development projects for the good of all.
The communities commended the governor for embarking on the project, which they had expected for a long time, considering the hardship they were enduring due to the dilapidated condition of the road.
The residents of the benefiting communities trooped out in their numbers to express their appreciation to the governor as he flagged off the multiple road construction across the settlements.
Also, stakeholders from the local government area, led by the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Bauchi LGA, Hon. Zainab Baban Takko, in her remarks, emphasised the road’s strategic importance for economic growth and development and pledged the entire Bauchi LGA’s support to ensure the success of the project for the growth and development of the Bauchi Metropolitan.
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