Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his recent nationwide broadcast amidst ongoing protests across the country.
Governor Mohammed described the speech as disappointing and indicative of the president’s disconnect from the current realities in Nigeria. He voiced his concerns during a press briefing following an emergency security council meeting at the Government House in Bauchi on Monday.
Mohammed argued that Tinubu should have consulted with the governors before addressing the nation, as the speech failed to reflect the situation on the ground. In response to escalating protests, the Bauchi state government declared a 24-hour curfew in Katagum LGA after demonstrations in Azare turned violent, leading to the vandalism of government properties and looting.
When questioned about the President’s address, Mohammed stated, “I’m not a spokesperson for the Presidency, but I certainly know that the President’s speech was very empty.” He criticized the speech for exacerbating tensions rather than calming them, and for lacking empathy and sound reasoning from security chiefs and agency heads.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that the President should have heeded advice from the governors, who are directly connected to local government chairmen and the situation on the ground. He noted that the lack of empathy shown in the speech had further inflamed the situation.
Regarding the unrest in Katagum LGA, Mohammed explained that the state government held an extended emergency security council meeting with stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional institutions, and religious groups, to address the issues. He stated that the protests highlighted the government’s failure at all levels to fulfill its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
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