A few hours after Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, announced his formal defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, was sighted at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking with journalists after meeting with Bola Tinubu, Mohammed dismissed speculation that his visit was to perfect a defection to the APC.
“No, you see, it is not always right for people to be insinuating and trying to get answers where there are no questions.
“I have always said that I am a PDP man. I know the Federal Government and the importance of partnership. This is time for governance.
“Of course, any governor can leave because if it is Fintiri’s decision to leave, it may not be my decision. I’m not coming here for defection; I’m coming here for governance, for partnership.
“I’m coming to a father of the nation to give us support and he has answered positively and that settles it,” he said.
The governor maintained that his visit was to seek Federal Government support over the security challenges in Bauchi State.
“I came here on behalf of the people and government of Bauchi State to see His Excellency, Mr President, pertaining to what has already been highlighted in the Nigerian media space.
“The situation of insecurity in my local governments in Bauchi State, where some bandits have become emboldened and taken over many ungoverned spaces, has led to sporadic clashes with security agencies. It would appear that the security agencies and all of us are overwhelmed and the situation is escalating to a level where it may become a humanitarian crisis.
“Out of fear, many inhabitants are fleeing to other states and local governments at this time of fasting. That is why I visited with the heads of security agencies, assessed the situation, brought a report to Mr President and sought special presidential intervention. We know him to be very serious about security.
“Without prior appointment, I only prayed with him and he saw me immediately. I am also proceeding to meet other senior security officers under the NSA who will do the needful,” he added.
Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.
“Very positive. He has already given directives. They are undertaking similar security operations in Kwara and Niger states where there are ungoverned spaces and banditry. We are seeking collaboration among governors contiguous to the affected forests — Taraba, Plateau, Gombe and Bauchi — to hold a summit with the support of security agencies to address the situation once and for all.
“Bauchi has enjoyed relative peace in the last 10 years. This challenge is coming at a time of increased investment interest, including oil and gas prospects and mining activities. We cannot afford such negative developments,” he said.
On calls for state police, the governor said he would support the initiative.
“I will lend my voice in support because it will reduce the burden on the Federal Government and make us more responsive and responsible as governors, although it is expensive.
“But it must be done because security of lives and property is paramount. I have seen the importance of security in my state, as it has boosted both micro and macroeconomic activities and improved our Gross Domestic Product,” he stated.
