Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address on Sunday, describing it as an “empty statement” that exacerbated the ongoing hunger protests. Mohammed, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, asserted that the President’s speech failed to address the core issues and instead intensified the situation.
In response to the broadcast, which sought to quell protests that began on August 1, Tinubu explained that his decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy and float the naira was aimed at preventing a total economic collapse. He also highlighted various programs his administration has initiated, including financial support to governors to alleviate the impact of economic hardships.
However, Mohammed argued that the President’s address did not reflect an understanding or empathy for the protestors’ plight. He emphasized that the President should have engaged with state governors prior to making the broadcast. “He should have listened to us, as we listen to our local government chairmen. His speech failed to show sympathy with the youth,” Mohammed stated.
In Bauchi State, while the governor expressed solidarity with the protesters’ grievances, he condemned any violence or destruction associated with the protests. The security meeting held on Monday aimed to address the broader issues of governance, hunger, and poverty affecting the country.
Contrary to Mohammed’s critique, Bala Ibrahim, the National Director of Publicity for the ruling APC, defended the President’s stance. Ibrahim contended that Tinubu had previously met with various stakeholders, including governors and traditional leaders, and communicated the need for accountability at the state level. He accused governors of mismanaging funds and failing to deliver developmental benefits to the populace, thereby causing the public to blame the President.
Ibrahim further argued that the current administration has allocated unprecedented financial resources to state governments and criticized the governors for not utilizing these funds effectively. He urged them to focus on their responsibilities and demonstrate proper use of resources rather than blaming the President.
