The Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has raised concerns about the management of resources by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. Tuggar criticized the governor for not effectively utilizing the increased funds allocated to the state, despite receiving substantial amounts in recent months.
Tuggar questioned the governor’s moral authority to criticize the Federal Government, pointing out that the state received ₦8.8bn in October and ₦9bn in November, yet there has been little visible development. Instead of improving essential services like education and healthcare, Tuggar accused the governor of engaging in questionable financial practices such as acquiring properties and land from citizens.
The minister highlighted instances where land was allegedly expropriated from farmers and urban residents for commercial farming and redevelopment projects, leading to increased poverty and displacement. Tuggar also mentioned evictions in Bauchi City’s Government Reserved Areas for unclear purposes, linking these actions to the governor’s past practices as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Tuggar advised the governor to prioritize addressing the state’s challenges rather than criticizing the President, emphasizing the transparency of President Tinubu’s policies. He suggested that the governor’s criticisms may be politically driven, hinting at aspirations for higher office despite what he viewed as a lackluster public service record.