..raises alarm over Bauchi govt’s proposed N298bn loan
The Bauchi State chapter of the opposition Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has alleged political interference by some traditional rulers across the state, including the harassment of its members, particularly in rural areas.
The allegations were contained in a statement signed by the State Secretary, Abubakar Sani, and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The statement read: “We commend the traditional rulers who have maintained neutrality despite pressure to favour the ruling party or treat opposition members unfairly. Their impartiality is commendable and worthy of emulation. We urge them to remain neutral, as expected of them as fathers to all.”
The PRP added: “However, we are concerned by reports that some traditional rulers are taking sides with the ruling party and suppressing the lawful activities of opposition members within their domains.”
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It further stated: “Such conduct is unacceptable, reprehensible and contrary to the law. We call on those involved to desist. Using their esteemed positions to suppress opposition members risks bringing those positions into disrepute and creating unnecessary tension and disorder, now or in the future.”
The party also expressed concern over reports that the Bauchi State Government, under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, planned to borrow ₦298.15 billion despite an existing debt of ₦441.69 billion.
“We are also concerned by reports that the Bauchi State Government, under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, plans to borrow ₦298.15 billion despite an existing debt of ₦441.69 billion. This proposed borrowing is alarming and could have serious consequences for the future of Bauchi State,” the statement added.
According to the PRP, the government had yet to adequately explain to citizens how previous loans were utilised.
“The government has yet to adequately explain to citizens how previous loans were utilised. With only a few months remaining before the election, in which the ruling party will be squarely defeated by the PRP, we strongly call on Governor Bala Muhammad to stop this borrowing and provide full transparency and accountability regarding the state’s debt and the use of borrowed funds,” the statement said.
The PRP said its candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, was better equipped to lead with competence and prudence in managing the state’s resources for the benefit of all citizens.
The party also noted reports that the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi State had filed court cases against the PRP and its governorship candidate, although it had yet to receive any formal notice.
“We have also noted reports that the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi State has filed court cases against the PRP and its gubernatorial candidate, even though we have not yet been served with any formal notice,” the statement said.
The party described the cases as attempts to attract attention and distract it and the people of Bauchi State, who it said were determined to seek a change in leadership. It added that similar cases against its candidate had previously been filed at both the State High Court and the Federal High Court and dismissed.
“We are confident that the latest case by the jittery APM will meet the same fate. We urge the APM to understand that these attempts to distract the public and express fear through legal action against the PRP and its candidates will not spare them the inevitable defeat the people of Bauchi State have in store for them in 2027,” the statement added.
The Bauchi State chapter of the PRP assured the public that it remained focused on its lawful political activities and committed to offering the people of Bauchi State a better alternative.
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