Segun Babatunde in Bauchi
As the Nation celebrates its 60th independence anniversary, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence,harmonious relationship and political tolerance among the various ethno – religious and political entities in the country towards building a strong,united and virile nation .
He said all hands should now be on deck towards building a strong united nation considering the fact that the period of politicking has passed with the conduct of the 2019 general elections while 2023 is still miles away.
Governor Mohammed who spoke on Thursday during a Town Hall Meeting with Youths and Women as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day celebration held at the Command Guest House, Bauchi enjoined youths to get involved in “politics not as a tools in the hands of politicians who will use you for selfish ends, but be in politics to ensure good governance and a better future for yourselves”.
According to him, ” i urge you to join the Government crusade to eliminate ghost workers in our public service and expose all known culprits and we will bring them to book “, urging them to eschew all forms of delinquency and criminal behavours.
The Governor who did not hide his appreciation for the member of House of Representatives representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Fed Constituency of Bauchi State, Masur Manu Soro who he said has exhibited exemplary leadership quality rare of a politician.
The Governor said that, “though Mansur Manu Soro is of the opposition APC in the state, he has always carried me along in all the developmental projects and programs he is doing for the good of the people of the state. I am proud of him”.
Governor Mohammed added that, “Mansur Manu Soro is an example of a youth who knows what he is doing. He is your future leader, please hold and support him for tomorrow”.
Turning to the youths, the Governor warned that, “please, do not turn yourselves into tools of destruction in the hands of us politicians, you should rather do things that will make democracy thrive in the state. You are the future leaders, you should therefore hold on to the good deeds of democracy”.
He further said that, reports reaching him indicated that majority of the candidates of the various political parties for the October 17th local government councils election in the state saying that it is a demonstration that the youths are politically coming up.
He however lamented that women could not make meaningful political impact in the state and the North entirely due to religious beliefs and restrictions assuring that his administration will continue to do political business with the women stressing that he has so far appointed 3 women Commissioners as well as other political aides.
The Governor then said that as the country celebrates 60th year of independence, there is a need for a sober reflection in order to be able to correct mistakes of the past for progress stressing that, “we are not to cast blames on past leaders of the country, we should rather celebrate them for attaining self rule for us”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, State Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Adamu Manu Soro stated that the meeting was organized in order to hear from the youths and women on what they really want government to do for them.
Adamu Manu Soro commended the Governor for carrying youths and women along in his administration saying that the cabinet is made up of youths and women. END