By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
As Bauchi state prepares for the end of the eight-year tenure of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in 2027, the need for continuity in governance cannot be overstated. The state has witnessed significant transformation and expansion under his leadership, and it’s essential to sustain this progress beyond 2027. Ensuring a smooth transition is crucial for the state’s future development and growth.
Effective governance requires a clear plan for succession and continuity. Unfortunately, many political elite and voters in Bauchi state have prioritised politics of bitterness over development, leading to a lack of clear plans for succession. This has resulted in former governors struggling to leave a lasting legacy, ultimately contributing to their loss in the senatorial elections.
To break this cycle, it’s essential for Bauchi state to prioritise continuity and develop a clear plan for succession. This will enable the state to build upon existing foundations, avoid wastage, and ensure sustainable development. By learning from the past and adopting a more strategic approach to governance, Bauchi state can unlock its full potential and create a brighter future for its citizens.
As a leader of the youth in Bauchi state, I have had the privilege of contributing to discussions on the state’s development. During the maiden Bauchi at 49 celebrations, key stakeholders from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged to discuss the state’s history and development. The consensus was clear: continuity is key to Bauchi state’s progress. Fostering a culture of continuity will require collective effort and commitment.
With several known figures jostling to succeed Senator Bala Mohammed, it’s crucial to ensure that the right person takes the reins. The mistake of allowing the wrong person in will be disastrous for the state and future generations. As a state, we must prioritise continuity and sustainability to build on the progress made so far. The next administration must be committed to continuity and progress.
As we look to the future, it’s essential to start discussions about who is best suited to succeed Bala Mohammed. We must prioritise continuity and ensure that the next administration builds on the foundations laid by the current government. Only then can we guarantee a brighter future for Bauchi state. The time for action is now, and we must rise to the challenge.
Since its inception in 1976, the military administration has played a crucial role in shaping the future and foundations of Bauchi state. The military government established key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, which laid the foundation for the state’s development. These infrastructure facilitated economic growth and improved the quality of life of the citizens.
The military administration also played a significant role in promoting education and healthcare in Bauchi state. The government established schools, hospitals, and other social amenities, which helped to improve the human capital of the state. Additionally, the military government implemented policies aimed at promoting agriculture, which is a vital sector of the state’s economy.
The military administration’s efforts in shaping the future and foundations of Bauchi state have had a lasting impact. The state’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors continue to benefit from the foundations laid by the military government. Today, Bauchi state is a thriving entity, and its progress can be attributed, in part, to the key roles played by the military administration.
The return of the Fourth Republic has, indeed, been a blessing to Bauchi state, marked by significant infrastructural development under successive governors. Governor Mu’azu, Mallam Isa Yuguda, M. A Abubakar, and now Bala Mohammed have all contributed to the state’s growth.
Governor Bala Mohammed imbibing the culture of continuity is the reason for the current expansion of Bauchi within and outside the city center. This approach has enabled the state to build upon existing foundations, ensuring a cohesive and sustainable development trajectory. By embracing continuity, Governor Bala Mohammed has been able to complete and initiate new projects, further transforming the state’s landscape.
The impact of these developments is evident in the improved quality of life for Bauchi State’s citizens. However, there is still much work to be done. To sustain this progress, it is crucial that future leaders prioritise continuity and build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors. This will ensure that the state continues to thrive and grow.
Formulating a 10 to 20 years development plan for Bauchi state is a strategic move that will ensure that the state’s growth and progress are sustained. This plan should be a priority for the incoming administration, and its development should involve all stakeholders, regardless of their political affiliations. By doing so, the state can build on the foundations laid by the current administration of Bala Mohammed and ensure a seamless transition.
Involving all stakeholders in the development of this plan will not only promote inclusivity but also ensure that the plan is comprehensive and addresses the needs of all citizens. The plan should align with the state’s Medium Term Development Plan 2021-2025, which serves as a roadmap for achieving the state’s development objectives. By formulating a long-term plan, Bauchi state can avoid the pitfalls of short-term thinking and focus on achieving sustainable development and growth.
Bauchi state is, indeed, blessed with capable, competent, and experienced individuals in the Bala Mohammed administration, as well as in the main opposition APC. For the state to continue thriving, it’s essential that both parties promote peace, unity, development, and continuity. By doing so, Bauchi state can build upon its existing foundations and attract more development projects, ultimately improving the lives of its citizens .
As the state looks to the future, it’s crucial that the current momentum of development is maintained. The next administration must prioritise continuity and build upon the progress made by the Bala Mohammed administration. With many qualified individuals in both parties, the future of Bauchi state looks promising. In the next episode of this article, we will delve into the key contenders to succeed Bala Mohammed in both the PDP and APC, exploring their strengths and weaknesses as they vie for the top spot.
As an advocate for good governance, it’s exciting to explore the next generation of leaders vying for the office of the governor of Bauchi state. With Bala Mohammed nearing the end of his tenure, several young and ambitious individuals are emerging as potential successors. While their profiles are not yet widely publicised, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of youth participation in politics and governance.
As we look to the future, it will be fascinating to see which of these young leaders will emerge as the top contenders for the governorship position, and how they plan to address the state’s pressing challenges and build upon the progress made by their predecessors.
Danaudi, a public affairs analyst, writes from Bauchi via danaudicomrade@gmail.com
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Sky Daily
