|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
The long period of military involvement in the political spectrum of the country is believed to have seriously retarded the evolution of democracy and its inherent benefits.
The lamentation was expressed by the Bauchi state Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir in a goodwill message to mark the 61st independence of Nigeria saying that, “It is however, gladdening that today democracy has found its roots in the country” .
The Governor said that, “Like many other countries, Nigeria has in the process of its growth experienced a lot of turbulence in the last 61 years. We suffered serious setbacks in the political arena which seriously affected our political and economic growth” .
He said that, “The 61st Independence anniversary should be used to reflect on the struggle and sacrifice of the founding fathers of this country. As we reflect on the virtues of our heroes, we should use this auspicious occasion to emulate them and ensure that their labour shall not be in vain”.
Bala Mohammed said that, “Sixty-One years ago, when the colonial masters were leaving, there was skepticism on our ability to govern ourselves. Today, we have shown to the world that we are not only able to govern ourselves, but are able to understand our differences, respect each other’s values and unite ourselves towards developing our country despite our diverse cultures”.
The Governor added that “the dividends of democracy are manifest and the citizens are happy. We in Bauchi State have taken a multi-dimensional approach to all the developmental projects which resulted in success all round, particularly in infrastructural development” .
According to him, “In line with the mandate given to us by the people, we are making efforts to provide the necessary infrastructure needed for the development of the State. To this end, Government has been constructing Rural and Urban roads network across the State, amounting to billions of Naira”.
The Governor further said that, “Some of these roads are on-going, while most of them have been completed and put to use. We have also executed several other projects in the areas of Education, Agriculture, Health, Housing and Water Supply” .
He added that, “As you are aware, the North-East region of which Bauchi State is part has for the last one decade faced with insurgency by Boko Haram. Other parts of the country are also facing their share of insecurity in the form of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes”.
The Governor however said that, “As a responsible and responsive Government, we have taken measures in collaboration with security agencies to protect the lives and property of our people by swiftly addressing any form of security challenge. I want to assure you that security would continue to be top on our priority so that the relative peace being enjoyed in the State is sustained”.
“We are not unmindful of the present hardship being experienced as a result of the downturn in the nation’s economy. Let me assure you that we shall continue to take palliative measures with a view to cushioning the effect of the hardship on the people”, he further said.
According to the Governor, “To this end, we have introduced the Kaura Economic empowerment Programme which has already been launched in some Local governments. It will soon be launched in the remaining Local Governments” .
Bala Mohammed said that, “I will however like to call on all of us to continue to make sacrifices to ensure that we put our country on the path of greatness. The present hardship being experienced is temporary. As soon as we put our acts together, we shall move out of it. We should however note that nobody will develop our State for us. We must do it ourselves”.
“As we celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria, my appeal to all of us is to re-dedicate ourselves to our country, be patriotic and above all continue to pray to Almighty Allah to shower His mercy and blessings on us so that we can continue to live in peace with one another and make our State and country great”, he concluded.
