Bauchi: Gov. Bala promises to rebuild vandalised structures in Azare

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has pledged to rebuild vandalised structures in Azare town, in Katagum local government area of the state, during day fifth of the ongoing nationwide protests against bad governance.
He made the pledged when he visited to assess the level of damage perpetrated by suspected hoodlums in the recent End Bad Governance protest in the State.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the governor condemned the of destruction caused to public and private properties by rampaging youths who embarked on violent protests in Azare town.
Bala explained that katagum Local Government Secretariat was the worst affected.
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.
He added that his administration sets 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 drawing board to see how they will rebuild the secretariat.
According to him, they have discussed with the commissioner of Police that they will establish Police station in the secretariat
He pledge to open up the Azare town because of the hundreds of people living in the area and bring more infrastructure.
The Governor commended 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 effort in promoting unity and peace.
He however, sympathised 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.
He also 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 equally 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, even as he relaxes curfew in the local government to start from 6am to 10pm to boost commercial activities.
Responding, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Farooq II, commended Mohammed 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.
He 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 also commended the effort of the Nigerian Army, particularly one military officer who exhibited high sense of professionalism that doused tension during the protest.