By Misbahu Shehu
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Aliyu Pate was recently on TVC discussing the political landscape and made some roundabout remarks about running for the Gubernatorial seat in Bauchi State, he further stated how he is unifying stakeholders in Bauchi State to present a common front.
Pate maybe be a global figure in fighting pandemics but when it comes to Bauchi State he’s a political upstart and outsider. In other words he is a political weakling for Bauchi State in 2027. His running around the issue saying he doesn’t want rancour in reference to the call out of Governor Bala Mohammed by the other political gladiator in the state, Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, shows that indeed Pate is a political weakling with soft shells.
However this can be proven further by X-raying his current assignment as the coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. No doubt he inherited a portfolio marked by significant challenges —from underfunded health infrastructure to managing public health emergencies. Amid these complexities, critics have raised several concerns regarding his leadership and policy implementation.
Some observers argue that during critical periods—such as managing outbreaks or responding to health emergencies—the minister’s actions were either too slow or inadequately coordinated. Critics have pointed to delays in mobilizing resources and an apparent lack of a comprehensive crisis management plan. They suggest that these issues may have contributed to avoidable hardships among vulnerable populations.
A recurring theme in criticisms is the perceived inadequacy of improvements in health infrastructure. Despite ambitious promises, some stakeholders claim that hospitals and primary health centers have not received sufficient upgrades or maintenance. Critics argue that the pace of funding allocation and project execution under Minister Pate’s tenure has not kept pace with Nigeria’s growing health needs.
Transparency in decision-making is essential for public trust. Some media reports and public comments have raised questions about the transparency of procurement processes and the accountability mechanisms within the Ministry of Health. Detractors contend that clearer reporting and more rigorous oversight are needed to ensure that allocated funds directly translate into improved health outcomes.
While the government has announced several health sector reforms aimed at expanding access and improving quality, critics have noted a gap between policy announcements and on-the-ground implementation. Concerns include slow progress in rolling out key initiatives, such as digital health services and expanded primary care programs. Skeptics argue that more decisive action is needed to translate these policies into measurable improvements.
Effective health governance requires robust engagement with frontline health workers, local government officials, and community representatives. Some stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of consultation and dialogue under Minister Pate’s leadership. They suggest that a more inclusive approach might foster better alignment between federal policies and local health needs.
With the summation above Bauchi needs a better helmsman. Bauchi is in need of a proven development titan, a reform minded technocrat with the mind to undo the many years of disservice, undo the structures of corruption and avarice and unlock the potential whose fruition has eluded the state for decades. The man for the job is not Mohammed Aliyu Pate.
Misbahu Shehu is a political affairs analyst and public commentator he writes from Abuja
