The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the administration’s current economic policies, which he described as unpopular and out of touch with the grievances of Nigerians.
The governor made the remarks during a Christmas Day celebration held in Bauchi on Thursday, December 26, urging the presidency to prioritize listening to the concerns of the masses over pride or arrogance.
“We are calling on the presidency and the federal government to change their style. Whenever a policy is not popular, they should listen to the people and not be arrogant and think that whatever they say must be. This is not an oligarchy,” the governor said.
He further emphasized the importance of democratic governance, stressing that leadership involves engaging with the people and addressing their needs. “This is not a military rule. They must listen to the people, and that is what makes a good leader, and we pledged to be loyal to them,” he added.
The governor also highlighted the urgent need for collaboration across political and governmental boundaries to mitigate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. “There is a lot of wahala. We must work together across party lines, across all the tiers of government to provide succor and solace to the Nigerian people. It is not about pride or ego because whatever it is, the situation was not like this before,” he said.
He pointedly acknowledged that while the country’s economic challenges may have predated his administration, it is the responsibility of leaders to effect meaningful change. “If the situation was bad before I came, tell me and I must change. And the presidency must also listen,” the governor stated.
The governor’s remarks come amid widespread criticism of the Bola Tinubu administration’s economic policies, which many believe have deepened the financial struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Observers have noted the significance of his appeal for humility and inclusivity, urging the federal government to take proactive measures to address the growing dissatisfaction among citizens.
