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“Focus on making life better for Bauchi people, rather than inciting them against FG”, TSF tells Gov. Mohammed

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The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has accused Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed of launching attacks on the federal government in order to distract attention from his inability to live up to public expectations.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Afolabi Josiah, TSF argued that there is little or nothing on ground in Bauchi state to justify improved federal allocations in the last 19 months.

“While comments by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State were ostensibly aimed at the federal government, they reveal not only a lack of understanding of ongoing reforms but also a troubling pattern of distraction from the pressing issues within the state.

“One of the Governor’s assertions, that tax reform bills would “block funds going to Northern States,” is not only false but sensational. Such claims, rather than fostering unity and progress, seek to misinform and incite.

” The reality is that these reforms are designed to promote transparency and fiscal discipline, ensuring that resources benefit all Nigerians, including Northern States. To suggest otherwise is to insult the intelligence of the citizens who are bearing the brunt of failed leadership.

“For Governor Mohammed to lament that governors “like himself” are suffering is an affront to the ordinary citizens of Bauchi who endure poverty, inadequate healthcare, and collapsing infrastructure under his administration.

“We must emphasize that the greatest beneficiaries of the subsidy removal policies championed by President Tinubu’s administration are state governors.

“It is a fact that increased allocations to states provide opportunities to invest in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture but unfortunately, in Bauchi, these funds appear to have been disproportionately directed toward projects of questionable priority, such as overpasses or “dry bridges” in the state capital, while rural development, agriculture, and livestock initiatives remain neglected.

“Governor Mohammed’s administration has presided over the collapse of agencies meant to support agriculture and animal husbandry, key drivers of Bauchi’s economy. Meanwhile, persistent allegations of financial impropriety and inflated contracts under his leadership continue to overshadow the lives of citizens who desperately need meaningful development.

“Let us not forget the visible indulgence in personal luxuries, including new personal properties springing up in Bauchi and beyond. If such practices represent his idea of “suffering,” then it is no wonder the citizens of Bauchi feel left behind.

“Moreover, Governor Mohammed’s rhetoric has reached an unacceptable low. His admission that he restrained himself from using foul language in the presence of a religious leader is a shocking reflection of his values as a leader.

“To even contemplate using such language in any setting is unbecoming of someone tasked with upholding the dignity of public office. At a time when the North is grappling with the erosion of societal values, including the scourge of drug abuse and political thuggery, leaders like Governor Mohammed must rise above cheap rhetoric and serve as role models for the younger generation,” it added.

TSF also urged Governor Mohammed to redirect his focus to the real issues confronting Bauchi State rather than playing to the gallery.

The group said: The citizens deserve more than rhetoric and theatrics; they deserve responsible leadership that prioritizes their welfare and development. Bauchi’s future lies in addressing poverty, revitalizing agriculture, improving education, and ensuring access to quality healthcare—not in constructing controversial projects or engaging in baseless attacks against a federal government committed to national progress.

“We encourage Governor Mohammed to carefully study the tax reform bills he seeks to criticize, as they are tools for creating a more equitable and sustainable economy. Rather than spreading misinformation, he should embrace these reforms and the opportunities they provide to advance his state.

“Bauchi deserves a leader who understands the responsibility of governance and rises above political grandstanding. It is time for Governor Mohammed to refocus his efforts on uplifting the people of Bauchi and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s collective progress.”

The group added that it remained steadfast in supporting the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which it insisted are rooted in transparency, accountability, and the commitment to creating a better future for all Nigerians.

End

“Focus on making life better for Bauchi people, rather than inciting them against FG”, TSF tells Gov. Mohammed.

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has accused Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed of launching attacks on the federal government in order to distract attention from his inability to live up to public expectations.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Afolabi Josiah, TSF argued that there is little or nothing on ground in Bauchi state to justify improved federal allocations in the last 19 months.

“While comments by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State were ostensibly aimed at the federal government, they reveal not only a lack of understanding of ongoing reforms but also a troubling pattern of distraction from the pressing issues within the state.

“One of the Governor’s assertions, that tax reform bills would “block funds going to Northern States,” is not only false but sensational. Such claims, rather than fostering unity and progress, seek to misinform and incite.

” The reality is that these reforms are designed to promote transparency and fiscal discipline, ensuring that resources benefit all Nigerians, including Northern States. To suggest otherwise is to insult the intelligence of the citizens who are bearing the brunt of failed leadership.

“For Governor Mohammed to lament that governors “like himself” are suffering is an affront to the ordinary citizens of Bauchi who endure poverty, inadequate healthcare, and collapsing infrastructure under his administration.

“We must emphasize that the greatest beneficiaries of the subsidy removal policies championed by President Tinubu’s administration are state governors.

“It is a fact that increased allocations to states provide opportunities to invest in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture but unfortunately, in Bauchi, these funds appear to have been disproportionately directed toward projects of questionable priority, such as overpasses or “dry bridges” in the state capital, while rural development, agriculture, and livestock initiatives remain neglected.

“Governor Mohammed’s administration has presided over the collapse of agencies meant to support agriculture and animal husbandry, key drivers of Bauchi’s economy. Meanwhile, persistent allegations of financial impropriety and inflated contracts under his leadership continue to overshadow the lives of citizens who desperately need meaningful development.

“Let us not forget the visible indulgence in personal luxuries, including new personal properties springing up in Bauchi and beyond. If such practices represent his idea of “suffering,” then it is no wonder the citizens of Bauchi feel left behind.

“Moreover, Governor Mohammed’s rhetoric has reached an unacceptable low. His admission that he restrained himself from using foul language in the presence of a religious leader is a shocking reflection of his values as a leader.

“To even contemplate using such language in any setting is unbecoming of someone tasked with upholding the dignity of public office. At a time when the North is grappling with the erosion of societal values, including the scourge of drug abuse and political thuggery, leaders like Governor Mohammed must rise above cheap rhetoric and serve as role models for the younger generation,” it added.

TSF also urged Governor Mohammed to redirect his focus to the real issues confronting Bauchi State rather than playing to the gallery.

The group said: The citizens deserve more than rhetoric and theatrics; they deserve responsible leadership that prioritizes their welfare and development. Bauchi’s future lies in addressing poverty, revitalizing agriculture, improving education, and ensuring access to quality healthcare—not in constructing controversial projects or engaging in baseless attacks against a federal government committed to national progress.

“We encourage Governor Mohammed to carefully study the tax reform bills he seeks to criticize, as they are tools for creating a more equitable and sustainable economy. Rather than spreading misinformation, he should embrace these reforms and the opportunities they provide to advance his state.

“Bauchi deserves a leader who understands the responsibility of governance and rises above political grandstanding. It is time for Governor Mohammed to refocus his efforts on uplifting the people of Bauchi and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s collective progress.”

The group added that it remained steadfast in supporting the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which it insisted are rooted in transparency, accountability, and the commitment to creating a better future for all Nigerians.

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Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration

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By Joel Ajayi


It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.


Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.


“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”


The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.


“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”


Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.


“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”


He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.


The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.


“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”


He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.


“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”


Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”


He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.


“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”

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