20/12/2023
Chronicling Governor Bala Muhammed’s Years Of Good Governance In Bauchi.
By- Ibrahim Sade
It is indeed another year of stock taking of His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulqadir Muhammed’s years of good governance and people-oriented programmes in Bauchi state that has endeared him and his administration to the people of the state.
These years, include four years of his first term and his just seven months of second term have been eventful, challenging, developmental, peaceful and inclusive. Within this period, Bauchi people have witnessed massive infrastructural development, absolute peace, security, social justice, social services, good governance and employment generation which were among Bala administration’s -point agenda unveiled to Bauchi people during his first term swearing-in at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi in 2019.
No doubt, Sen Bala’s administration has recorded remarkable achievements, despite the fact that on assumption of office, he was confronted with myriad of daunting challenges that included recessed economy, paucity of funds, backlog of unpaid workers’ salaries, arrears of pensioners, infrastructural deficits especially in rural areas, unemployment and others.
Not deterred by these obvious discouraging and enormous challenges, His Excellency Gov Bala Abdulqadir Muhammad in his inaugural speech, committed the affairs of the state to God Almighty with the slogan “ MY BAUCHI PROJECTS .”
Without hesitation, Gov Bala Muhammed’s administration hit the ground running, by bringing to bear the governor’s financial prowess and prudence in reforming, rejigging and repositioning the state’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) system for better performance and improved revenue generation.
Also introduced in the day-to-day running of the government by Sen Bala were good governance, equity, fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency. Since then, governance in the state took a new direction geared towards peaceful co-existence, integration, and even development across the state. Gov Bala’s leadership style has decidedly remained inclusive, progressive, eclectic and unprecedented in the state’s leadership history.
All the sectors of the state economy witnessed his government’s interventions and rural development programs, education, health, infrastructure, security, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, taking the lead. Of note is that many of the rural areas road was constructed for a community that had never witnessed any form of development or government presence on its land in the past years. Also within the state capital, His administration has executed numerous road, and schools projects.
Of great emphasis is the fact that Gov Bala’s administration has equitably distributed developmental projects and appointments across the state in spirit of unity, equity and fairness to the admiration and happiness of all in the state. This is a clear departure from the winner takes all practice of the past that created bad blood among political stakeholders in three senatorial zones of the state.
The overwhelming support Governor Bala’s administration enjoyed during his first term and his resounding victory in his reelection was a clear testimony of his outstanding performance in office and style of leadership that gives everyone, irrespective of religion, tribe, status and party affiliation sense of belonging in the affairs of the state.
It is also for this reason and others that Gov Bala's chieftancy title, "Kauran Bauchi" has remained a brand, movement and household name in the state and beyond today. His style of politics is emulative and tolerant. Unlike most political leaders, indeed Sen Bala Abdulqadir Muhammad has used political power as shield to protect and unite the people, instead of the usual sword, political office holders often use it to divide and oppress the people, especially perceived enemies.
In line with his avowals, assurances and promises in his reelection acceptance speech that he and his team will continue to serve the state with fear of God, humility and unwavering commitment to improving lives and lifting the state to unprecedented heights, Gov Bala has been living by his words and walking the talk with legacy projects.
Consolidating and expanding vigorously on its first term’s giant strides, His administration has opened up the rural areas to reduce urban migration, created jobs, provided good governance, maintained and sustained peace and security as major policy thrust. Bauchi State is indeed in the hands of good leadership
With the above mentioned signature projects and people- oriented programmes of His Excellency Gov Bala's administration in the face of daunting challenges, which are evidenced and experienced in the last seven years in Bauchi state, Kauran Bauchi has written his name in gold.
His administration will surely be remembered, not only for the numerous developmental projects it did across the state, but for the political stability, peace and security it brought and sustained in the state for the good of all.
Ibrahim Sade
Write from Kaura Social Media Forum, under office of the Special adviser on media and publicity, Comr Mukhtar Gidado. 20th/Dec/23
