The Minister of Overseas Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has criticised Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over the alleged mismanagement of state sources and governance lapses.
Tuggar made the remarks in an interview with Liberty TV on Monday, which was monitored by our correspondent.
His feedback comply with the governor’s latest criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, notably in regards to the proposed tax reforms.
Tuggar expressed shock at Mohammed’s remarks, questioning his ethical authority to criticise the Federal Authorities whereas accusing him of failing to successfully utilise the elevated allocations to Bauchi State.
In keeping with Tuggar, the state has obtained considerably increased funds in latest months, with ₦8.8bn in October and ₦9bn in November. Nevertheless, these sources have reportedly not resulted in tangible improvement for the folks.
The minister alleged that as an alternative of addressing essential points like schooling, healthcare, and infrastructure, the governor has been concerned in questionable monetary practices, together with the acquisition of properties and land from residents.
“To start with, in the case of the discuss of cash, he mustn’t contain himself as a result of the earnings of Bauchi State and the allocation it’s receiving from the centre have doubled.
“We’ve not seen any enchancment, no change in what he’s doing. In October, he obtained N8.8bn, however he has not proven us what he did with it. In November, he obtained N9bn.
“As a substitute of utilizing the cash for social providers and infrastructure, comparable to schooling, well being, and addressing out-of-school youngsters, he’s busy utilizing such funds to purchase properties and land from the poor residents of Bauchi. This impacts each the wealthy and the poor,” he mentioned.
He accused Mohammed of expropriating land from subsistence farmers and concrete residents underneath the guise of economic farming and redevelopment tasks. Tuggar claimed these actions have worsened poverty and displaced many.
Tuggar additionally talked about situations of evictions in Bauchi Metropolis’s Authorities Reserved Areas, the place properties are allegedly being bought and demolished for unclear functions.
He described these actions as a continuation of practices the governor was recognized for throughout his tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister concluded by urging the governor to give attention to addressing the challenges going through Bauchi State fairly than criticising the President. He added that President Tinubu’s insurance policies are clear and designed to handle nationwide points.
“He shouldn’t be the one questioning something Mr President is doing. In addition to, what Mr President is doing is open, it’s clear, and it’s there for all to see,” he remarked.
Tuggar advised that the governor’s latest feedback may be politically motivated, hinting at aspirations for increased workplace regardless of what he described as a poor monitor document in public service.