Governor praises health infrastructure, security intervention
BAUCHI — Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state with critical health infrastructure and security interventions despite political differences between the Federal and Bauchi State governments
Mohammed spoke in Bauchi while receiving a Federal Government delegation led by the Ministers of Finance and Health during the commissioning of a radiodiagnostic centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH)
The governor described the commissioning as a “double barrel of goodwill and goodness”, noting that it coincided with his birthday and the visit of two senior members of the Federal Executive Council
He said the radiodiagnostic centre, whose foundation was laid about three years ago, would strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery in the state and reduce the burden on residents who travel outside Bauchi for specialised medical services
Mohammed described the project as an indication of what he termed President Tinubu’s statesmanship, noting that Bauchi, like Oyo State where another facility was established, was governed by an opposition party
According to him, political differences should not prevent governments from recognising and supporting initiatives that directly improve citizens’ lives
“We don’t always just oppose and criticise for criticising’s sake When we see good things, we say it,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to the President for augmenting the state’s resources through Federal Government interventions
He also commended other Federal Government interventions in the health sector, including the establishment of a university of health and federal medical centres in the state
Mohammed further thanked Tinubu for his intervention during security challenges that affected parts of Bauchi State
He disclosed that two military battalions had been established in the state, one in Galeri and another in Tafawa Balewa, saying the development would strengthen security
The governor recalled that when some communities were threatened by banditry, he sought the President’s intervention despite being a member of the opposition, adding that Tinubu responded by deploying a high-powered military contingent
He said the intervention helped restore affected communities and enabled displaced residents to return to their homes
“I want you, because the two of you are very, very close to Mr President, tell him we will never forget this goodwill that he has done to us. We are very grateful,” he said.
On the economy, Mohammed acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts toward macroeconomic stability, saying Bauchi would continue to provide constructive input where necessary
He stressed the need for the state and Federal governments to work together, saying both levels of government serve the same citizens
The governor also maintained that issues such as health and education should not be politicised
Mohammed assured the Federal Government of the state’s continued cooperation with the management of ATBUTH and other federal institutions to ensure that the new facility delivers maximum benefits to residents
He said Bauchi would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government irrespective of political differences to improve the quality of life of Nigerians