Bauchi APC Criticizes Governor Bala for Blaming Tinubu Amid Economic Hardship

Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Governor Bala Mohammed for blaming President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies for the current economic challenges facing Nigeria. The APC described the governor’s comments as unreasonable, highlighting that every nation faces its own set of challenges.

In a statement signed by Saadu Umar, the APC’s Publicity Committee Chairman, the party recalled that Governor Mohammed had once supported fuel subsidy removal during his tenure as a minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan. This makes his recent criticism of the policy seem contradictory.

Governor Bala Mohammed recently condemned the federal government’s inability to address the widespread hunger, anger, and severe poverty in the country, which sparked nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. However, the Bauchi APC contends that the economic situation has actually improved under President Tinubu’s leadership, both in the state and nationwide, thanks to the implementation of beneficial projects.

The APC emphasized that despite the challenges, President Tinubu’s policies have brought positive changes. The party noted that Governor Mohammed’s administration has benefited significantly from increased federal allocations, receiving over N87.4 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between January and June this year. Additionally, the governor and his counterparts received over N135.4 billion last December to aid the poor and vulnerable, along with an additional N438 billion recently allocated to combat hunger.

The APC further pointed out that President Tinubu has introduced laws aimed at supporting workers, including the newly signed National Minimum Wage Act, which mandates a minimum wage of N70,000. Despite receiving substantial funds from the federal government, the APC alleges that Governor Mohammed has failed to implement this minimum wage for Bauchi workers, instead diverting funds to questionable financial consultants and extravagant projects.

The party also accused the governor of mismanaging public funds, citing over N33.5 billion spent on overhead costs for the Government House and Governor’s Office between January and June. The APC criticized Governor Mohammed for prioritizing white elephant projects, like flyovers, over the welfare of citizens, including pensioners who are still owed gratuities.

Saadu Umar attributed Governor Mohammed’s frustration to the recent Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to local governments across the country. This ruling, according to the APC, has curtailed the governor’s access to funds that were previously under his control.

The Bauchi APC welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that it has reduced the growing discontent with local government administration and politicians. They urged President Tinubu and the APC-led National Assembly to remove governors from the process of conducting local government elections to ensure free and fair outcomes.

In conclusion, the APC’s statement paints a picture of a governor who, despite receiving substantial federal support, has mismanaged resources and failed to address the needs of the people. The party calls for greater accountability and reform in the conduct of local government elections to prevent further mismanagement.