By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi
Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad of Bauchin State has pledged to rebuild vandalised structures in Azare which occured during #endbad governance protest which took place in Nigeria.
The Governo made the pledge when he visited Azare town in Katagum Local Government Area of the State to assess the level of damage perpetrated by hoodlums while the‘End Bad Governance’ protest lasted in the State
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the governor condemned the destruction caused to public and private properties by rampaging youths who embarked on violent protests in Azare town.
Governor Bala explained that Katagum LG Secretariat was the worst affected in the State and promise to rebuild it.
He said more than half of the building was destroyed including finance and salary section and called on the citizens of the state and Nigeria as a whole to leave discord behind and encourage peace and togetherness.
The Governor said his administration set to initiate a comprehensive plan to restore and reinvigorate Azare among which include the construction of additional roads, renovation of public buildings and establishment of empowerment programme for citizens specifically youths and women.
He said even though they have already built the secretariat they will still go back to the drawing board to see how they can rebuild the secretariat. Governor Bala said government has discussed with the Commissioner of Police on the need to establish a Police station at the secretariat
He reveal plans to open up Azare town because of the hundreds of people living in the area and bring more infrastructure, while commending the Emir of Katagum for his contribution to the development of the state, promotion of peace and support to his administration, and urged community leaders to intensify efforts in promoting unity and peace.
he equally used the opportunity sympathized with the bereaved families, emphasizing that his administration will continue to prioritise the protection of the populace.
“As leaders, we have heard the voices of the masses, and collectively, we will address the various needs.
“My administration is making frantic efforts to address the development of loopholes in Azare Township and its environs, calling on traditional rulers and religious leaders to assist the government.
“The government would engage in sensitisation messages on the need to live in peace and harmony with one another” he said
He promised to also provide support to the immediate past Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, whose personal residence was attacked together with one neighbouring Islamiyyah School.
Muhammad sympathized with the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Faruq II, over the unfortunate incidence, saying that his government had listened to the cries of the protesters, assuring to correct the governance issue.
He commended the Emir for his fatherly support to his administration and promised to provide more infrastructure and other developmental projects in the local government area.
Governor Bala relaxed curfew in the local government to start from 6am to 10pm to boost comnercial activities Responding, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Farooq II, commended Muhammad for his concern, assuring him of the total support of the traditional institutions.
He assured the citizens of local government to rebuild the destroyed structures in the local government Secretariat and the affected Government Lodge, saying that the destruction of properties was uncalled for, unwarranted, and criminal.
The Emir of Katagum appreciated the Governor’s prompt response that prevented escalation of the violence and called for more efforts to address youth restiveness and unemployment in the state.
He commended the effort of the Nigerian Army, particularly one of the military officers who exhibited high sense of professionalism that doused tension during the protest.