Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as lacking preparation and direction.
Speaking during a media interaction on Wednesday at the Government House, Bauchi, while hosting Apostle Johnson Suleiman, Founder of Omega Fire Ministry, Mohammed lamented what he described as the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria under Tinubu’s leadership.
The governor revealed that he initially celebrated Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, hoping it would usher in a new era of freedom and development. However, he now feels disillusioned.
“I respect President Tinubu so much. But someone must rise to the occasion and tell him the truth: he is surrounded by misfits,” Mohammed stated. “It’s clear now that he came into governance ill-prepared, without an agenda or manifesto.”
Drawing on Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, Mohammed said his initial optimism was based on Tinubu’s past achievements. “We believed in him because of his pedigree and antecedents as Lagos governor, where he did the magic. I was jumping for joy when he became president, even though I am from a different party,” he said.
However, Mohammed said that the president’s policies have so far failed to address Nigeria’s pressing issues. “I thought the Uhuru had come, but I’ve seen freedom and development eluding us. As a statesman and a responsible citizen, I must speak out,” he added.
The governor argued that the administration’s approach has stifled the aspirations of Nigerians. “You cannot make all citizens mere customers in the bid to actualize your aspiration,” Mohammed remarked, referencing the economic hardship many Nigerians face.
“I hold no grudge against the president; I have immense respect for him. My issue is with policies that are hurting Nigerians,”
He clarified that his criticism is not personal but based on policies he believes are detrimental to the country.
