By Bashir Aliyu
Dear sir, I hope my letter finds you in good spirit. As a patriotic citizen of Bauchi, I feel compelled to pen you an open letter because I am sure my appeal resonates with a vast majority of Bauchi residents who are on a lookout for you for long.
Sir, as one of the dearest sons of Bauchi who occupies one of the most senior positions under the Ahmed Tinubu administration, we are aware of your altruistic services to the nation, and we are always proud that our own is making Nigerians proud as you chart a new cause in Nigeria’s foreign policy direction, prioritizing national interests, courting new partners to invest in Nigeria and reasserting Nigeria’s position as the most economically and demographically advanced country on the African continent. From ensuring regional stability through partnering with neighbors and strengthening ties with ECOWAS member states to redesigning Nigeria’s foreign policy to realign with national development, we are always happy that your in-depth experience and international connections has made you the most high-profile son of Bauchi today, and a lot of us are looking up to you for hope and brighter future here in Bauchi.
Sir, our dear state, Bauchi, is on the reverse gear. We have been captured and thrown into penury by the same government we elected to alleviate our suffering. Bauchi State is on the precipice enabled in by the brazen violation of free speech, wealth distribution and mass displacement of people in the state even though our state is supposed to be an example to other states when it comes to good governance, transparency, and all the trappings of what democracy would bring to the state. For now, Bauchi is just a shadow of its former self.
Our youths are hopeless, helpless and hapless under Governor Bala Muhammad because despite his numerous pledges to uplift us, the youth. Our youth are still grappling with massive unemployment and limited job opportunities. Our plight is worsened by the mass demolition of makeshift tents and kiosks in Bauchi, Azare, and many other places on the pretext of beauty beautification. Thousands of people who used to eke out a living to keep their bodies and souls together lost their jobs overnight, leaving their family and defendants stranded with no compensation or any incentive to fall back on.
Sir, as we zero in on the 2027 general elections, it is critical that you understand what this moment demands. Bauchi State is in a state of unprecedented disrepair and decrepit dissolution. It is against this backdrop that you, as a vocal critic of the way our Bauchi State is being run with iron fist, need to officially express your intention to run for Bauchi State Governorship election.
By so doing, you will ease our anxiety that you will be there for Bauchi people. Bauchi State is in dire need of an experienced hand who knows the way, follows the way, and leads the way. Your social impacts are already noticeable and your track record of loyalty to the people, transparency and achievements are testaments that you have what it takes to redesign, rebuild, and take Bauchi State to a greater height.
Sir, as we close in on the 2027, the wing of change is always blowing in Bauchi. Fed up with unfulfilled promises and cavalier attitude to the pitiable life on the streets of Bauchi, people are now looking up to you with hope. By declaring your interests, I am sure the momentum will stick with you till victory.
Therefore, we humbly call on you to declare your interest in Bauchi 2027 governorship election. Bauchi State is in dire need of survivor who has what it takes to salvage our people from a sinking ship. By declaring, at least we can rest assured that you will not leave Bauchi people in the lurch.
Bauchi Aliyu is a journalist based in Abuja
