We Walk with our Shoulders High Beca -Water Resources Commissioner

WATER RESOURCES

♠ Governor Bala Mohammed's achievements in 5 years:
We that fought tirelessly to ensure that Senator Bala Mohammed becomes the Governor of Bauchi State can boldly say that we are very proud of his achievements. He has not disappointed us, he has given us a reason to walk with our shoulders high wherever we go because our Governor has delivered on his campaign promises. When we came in 2019, we found out that a lot of things had gone wrong and many things were neglected.

Take for instance, the education sector, I remember that many pupils were learning under trees and if rain comes, then the school for that day is closed. When he came on board, he gave serious attention to that sector and built many classrooms and renovated those that were dilapidated so that the pupils can have conducive atmosphere for learning.

Bauchi State is one of the states with the highest number of out-of-school children, but since Governor Bala Mohammed came into power, he has tackled this problem head-on and a significant number of them have been brought back to the classroom. In the water sector, he has improved water supply in the state, and many communities now have access to clean water. He has done so much in all the sectors of the state, he has not left out any sector behind.

♠ His leadership style:
If you must lead people, you must be fearless and truthful and I can tell you that our dear Governor has these qualities. He is a very fearless leader and you can see that we who are his lieutenants are also fearless. He is also a devout Muslim. He relies on Allah and does not fear anyone. He has a very large heart with which he accommodates everyone. He is a transparent leader who does not embezzle public funds. He tells us to use little resources to achieve great results.

If you check all the projects across the State which he has executed, he used little resources to achieve that. He is a man who listens to advise and is very humble. He is a good man who has good intentions for the people of Bauchi State, that is what is responsible for all the work he is doing across the State.

We know him as someone who is passionate about governance and he is concerned about the people of the State. That is why he is working tirelessly, day and night to bring to the good people of Bauchi State, dividends of democracy, He is a truthful and honest person.

♠ His achievements in the water resources sector:
During his first tenure, he gave great attention to collaborating with the World Bank to fix Gubi Dam and complete the water project that had been going on there. It was upgraded and some old pipes that were not functioning were also replaced. At least, 200 kilometers of pipes were networked within the Bauchi metropolis, but because the metropolis is growing rapidly, the work hasn't been completed yet. Some new settlements will soon be connected with this water scheme. I get requests daily from different communities within the metropolis seeking to be connected to this scheme. If you remember, some few years ago, water tanks were going to various communities to give out water to the people for their usage on a daily basis but that is now history.

For instance, Futuk, a very large community in Alkaler Local Government Area of the State, has not had portable drinking water for over 200 years and they rely on water that is being sold to them from Kashere in Gombe State. But God in his mercy, when I came on board, I discovered that His Excellency, had given approval during his first tenure, for that water project. So, we continued with the efforts to see that money is released so that the government will provide them with clean and portable drinking water. And to God be the glory, we have been able to finish that project and the people of Futuk now have clean drinking water provided by the Bala Mohammed administration.

Similarly, in Gololo, they had serious water problems because they are at the very extreme end at the State's border with Yobe State. They suffered so much in the past and when we discovered that, we swung into action and we were able to provide them with water. If you go there now, you'll find that their minds are at rest because they now have access to clean drinking water provided by this administration.

In Misau Local Government Area, we came and found that there was a rehabilitation that was done as corporate social responsibility by the late GMD of NNPC, Maikanti Baru. He tried his very best to reactivate the water but the work wasn't finished because there were many challenges. But as soon as we came on board, we went and inspected the project and saw all that was happening there and everything that needed to be done so that Misau Local Government Area would have clean water. We did that and finished it. They now have clean drinking water.

His Excellency did his best and directed that engineers be sent to four LGAs of the State to go and carry out survey there because he wanted to do some projects there. And that's the Katagum Water project, the water in Jama'are, the water in Ningi and the water in Dass.

He directed that the engineers should go there immediately and see what can be done to provide adequate clean drinking water to these LGAs. The staff of Water Board and the engineers have gone there already and have started working on His Excellency's directives. This is in keeping to his campaign promises that he will provide clean drinking water to all the 20 LGAs of the State, and if this is started in four LGAs, Insh Allah, before his tenure ends, we believe that His Excellency would have delivered on this promise to provide water to all the 20 LGAs.

♠ Water for All:
Bauchi is blessed with abundant surface and underground water potentials as the state is traversed by two districts namely: Jama'are Komadugu Yobe and Upper Benue River Basins both originating from the Plateau. Mindful of these potentials, efforts are being made by the administration of Senator Bala Mohammed to develop the surface water-resource and to ensure that most of the water-resources are not wasted away as surface runoff through streams and Rivers flow down to Lake Chad and Atlantic.

Gov. Bala Mohammed, due to his passion for irrigation project, through the Ministry of water resources, has executed the irrigation project of 20 hectares in the following location in Adabda in Gamawa and Gyayin Warji local government areas.
The Projects captured in the 2023 Approved Budget Estimates include the Construction of Small Earth Dams across the State, rehabilitation of Earth Dams, development of Bauchi State Surface Water Resources Master Plan.

Others include the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) Project, rehabilitation of Earth Dams in Sabon-Kariya and Dulum-Mbamja in Ganjuwa and Tafawa-Balewa LGAs respectively.

Notable achievements under Governor Mohammed in the ministry in the past five years include the reactivation of boreholes- based water schemes of Barkumbo, Lushi, Rafin Zurfi and Zango/Gudum which has improved the well-bing of the residents in the areas.
Another notable achievement is the overhauling of one 1,500KVA generating set at Gubi Water Treatment Plant, as well as the rehabilitation of the 800mm diameter transmission mains from the Treatment Plant at Warinje reservoir and attending to leakages within the distribution network.

The administration also constructed 7000m3 concrete reservoir at Buzaye Hill, booster Wuntin dada and Water reservoir at Miri, 13 new community water 1J w F F * y rehabilitated 160 hand pump boreholes and installed 48 solar motorized water supper schemes, among other projects embarked upon to alleviate the problem of water supply that had bedeviled many of the communities before the inception of his administration.

The ministry has worked tireless to ensure that millions of rural dwellers are captured with construction of 8000 Hand pump Boreholes in 12 LGAs in the State, construction of 58 motorized solar powered water supply in 58 PHCs in the State, rehabilitation of 15 motorized solar powered water supply, construction of 124 blocks of pour flush latrines in 64 Primary Health centres in the State, rehabilitation of 8,000 Hand pump Boreholes in 8-LGAs of the State and provision of 104 contactless hand washing station with hand sanitizer in the State.

Gov. Mohammed Treats up to as Much as 300 Files Daily -BSUWSC

BSUWSC

♠ His Excellency's achievements in providing water:
Anybody who is in Bauchi will see the achievements recorded in all sectors of the economy with particular reference to the Water subsector. I'm sure that the people of Bauchi can attest to the fact that so much has been achieved.

Take for instance, the challenge we are currently having of power supply, when there was issue with power supply, the whole Bauchi was grounded, but when we went over it, now you don't hear anybody complaining about lack of water supply in Bauchi metropolis and in other towns that His Excellency has intervened. So, we have achieved a lot compared to precious years and the issue of lack of water supply particularly in Bauchi metropolis is a thing of the past. Much has been achieved and the major issue is that if sustainability and it is sustained.

♠ His leadership style:
His leadership is an all-inclusive one, he involves everybody that matters in whatever he does. He was a Minister, a Senator and he's now a Governor, I can't forget that he was also a civil servant and also a journalist, and so he has gathered so much experience. And I thinkthat he is not a lone achiever because he carries people along in whatever he is doing, and that is a very good style in leadership.

♠ What I've learned from His Excellency:
I've learned that you should put in your best in whatever you have been asked them do Let me tell you a personal experience, we once visited him and he was telling us that he treats up to as much as 300 files daily. I felt that is a big feat for anybody to be doing that. So, when your Chief Executive is treating 300 files and you have many files lying on your table, then that is not a good thing.

So I've learned that I should put in my best, after all, that is why I get my bread to feed my family; my primary responsibility is to put in NY best. So, dedication, steadfastness and most importantly, to have people in mind that whatever you are doing is for their progress and development.

♠ Ensuring Urban Water Accessibility:
Under the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Project of the World Bank in partnership with the Federal Government and the Bauchi State Government, the Gubi Dam water supply was rehabilitated while treatment plants were overhauled. The water pipes were relaid and reservoirs were built and water supply was expanded to serve more people in Bauchi metropolis.

The administration of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has built many boreholes within and outside the state capital. He is leaving no stone unturned in a bid to ensure that there is adequate, clean and potable water supply to millions of residents in both the urban and rural areas of the state.

His administration had commenced the reactivation of boreholes-based water schemes at Barkumbo, Lushi, Rafin Zurfi and Zango/Gudum communities and the residents who have been suffering water scarcity for years now enjoy steady clean water.

As part of the project the 1,500KVA generating set was installed at Gubi Water Treatment Plant, the rehabilitation of the 800mm diameter transmission from the Treatment Plant at Warinje reservoir and attending to leakages within the distribution network. It also started and completed construction of the 7,000m3 concrete reservoir at Buzaye Hill, booster Wuntin Dada and Water reservoir at Miri, all in a bid to ensure regular supply of water to residents of Bauchi Metropolis.

The administration launched construction of 13 new community water supply schemes and rehabilitated 160 hand pump boreholes. It installed 48 solar motorized water supper schemes, among other projects embarked upon to alleviate the problem of water supply that had bedeviled many of the communities before the inception of the administration.

These interventions have addressed the lingering water crisis in most communities in the state and brought smiles to millions of households.

Kaura is more Concerned about Access to Water -RUWASSA

RUWASSA

The leadership style of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed is highly commendabl e particularly as it concerns provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene to people in the communities.

His tenure has brought access to communities that lacked those facilities and they are enjoying these facilities, and they become faulty, we were able to repair them with the help of His Excellency. These infrastructural developments are being spread across the state, every nook and cranny of the state, you see boreholes being provided, you see sanitation facilities like toilets in public places, in schools and in hospitals being provided and this is really commendable.

♠ Working with His Excellency:
My working relationship with His Excellency is very good because whenever we write a memo to him, he approves it easily and he gives us the chance to go and continue with our work. So, I really commend His Excellency for his cordial relationship he has with we the implementers at the high level.

Lessons learnt from him:
I've learned a lot from His Excellency's leadership style, he is always open, very kind and merciful to people.

His Excellency's major achievement in this agency which he is passionate about:
For the short time that I have been here and even long before I came on board, there have been so many achievements that were recorded. We've seen a lot in terms of provision of water and sanitation. He is passionate about all the achievements since he approves the provision of all of them.

♠ Working with donor agencies:
Our agency works with donor partners like UNICEF, WaterAid and other donors that support the provision of water and sanitation to rural communities. We enjoy working with these donors and they have helped a lot but what you should consider is their assistance depends basically on the counterpart of the government, once there is no counterpart from the government, they will not bring in anything. The continuity of havingthaton ground is asa result of the support we've been receiving and the counterpart from the government and what we receive from them to out in place for out people to have access to water and sanitation.

♠ Commitment of His Excellency in paying counterpart:
He is very committed in that direction. Whenever we table our concerns before him regarding an issue on water and sanitation, he doesn't play with it. And this isa proof of hiscommitment.

♠ Areas we focus on:
In terms of rural water and sanitation, we address issues where people in rural communities are lacking in having access to water. We provide access to safe drinking water and sanitation to these communities that lack such like providing hand pump, solar scheme and toilet facilities to these communities particularly in schools, hospitals and public places. For households, we engage them and sit with them and encourage them to construct improved latrines by themselves. And as a result, we have 9 LGAs that are Open Defecation Free. They have their latrines which they used and this shows that our engagements with them has been fruitful and this has happened just because of f the commitment of His Excellency.

♠ RUWASSA: Taking Water, Sanitation Facilities to our Rural Communities: Water they said is life, has received needed priority in the administration of Kauran Bauchi, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State in the last five years. Hundreds of water facilities have been constructed in our rural and urban centres. In particular, Governor Bala Mohammed through the Ministry of Water Resources and agencies under it has provided clean water to curb waterborne diseases and improve the health of our people for maximum productivity.

To boost water supply, RUWASSA in 2024 built and rehabilitated over 50 hand pump boreholes in 14 local government areas. Similarly, in 2023, it rehabilitated 70 hand pump boreholes while 16 were installed. There were constructions of 30 new hand pump boreholes in 30 communities under the Armani Water Project. The construction of three new solar-powered schemes in three communities of Misau under the DP Water Project.
The Agency has also partnered to rehabilitate several solar-powered boreholes in different communities.

Under RUWASSA, 70 communities were reached to restore the water supply. 16 communities were provided with new installation of hand pump boreholes. 22 communities were assisted with hand pump accessories. 16 sets of hand pumps were procured for installation in different communities. Apart from water, RUWASSA has built thousands of toilets in public schools, market and has engaged households in maintaining proper hygiene.

Nine LGAs Open-Defecation-Free (ODF):
As part of the efforts to end open defecation in Bauchi State, the efforts of His Excellency has resulted in ending ODF in 9 local government areas. The areas have been certified open defecation-free. Efforts are on to ensure that others are now being declared ODF. What this means is that in those LGAs no one is defecating openly. The government has provided toilets in public places and sensitised the households to manage their toilets well.

Kaura Determined to Raise Bauchi’s IGR to N3.5bn Monthly - Finance Commissioner

FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELPMENT

♠ Leadership Style of Governor Bala Mohammed:
He is a man of integrity who wants to develop his dear state and Nigeria as a whole. Another peculiar leadership style of his Excellency he is that he is part and parcel of those who developed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

From what is on ground he has developed dual carriage ways in all the entrances of Bauchi: the Bauchi Jos Highway, the Kano Bauchi Highway and Maiduguri highway, and now he is working on the Gombe Bauchi Highway. This tells you he is a man of vision. You could see now constructions are ongoing in all the local governments.

We in the finance ministry know what he has been spending in various sectors - always infrastructure with the ministry of works taking over 60 percent of his expenditure. That is to tell you the quantum and the level of commitment he has in order to develop the state.

At the beginning of 2023 we were in China and we saw a local government that is not even up to Bauchi Local Government you may noticed more than 500 bridges with roads all over, skyscrapers 80 meters across the sky. The development is all over. Skill acquisition and all. He told us he put us in the entourage to China for us to notice all the developmental projects so that we as young leaders maybe in the future will see the way he dreams and havesimilarvision in orderto develop our state.

If you go to Wunti in the state capital you will vividly notice one of the top ten global companies- CCECC which has developed China. He brought them to develop Bauchi and he is willing to extend other aspect of infrastructure in Bauchi for them.

♠ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR):
His Excellency is committed to generating more revenue in order to support government expenditure. When we came he directed us to engage one of the most reputable consultants in Nigeria, E-Transact. He gave us the necessary support to invite various companies. Out of nine companies that were screened attar making presentations, we were able to select E-Transact.

The company currently collects revenue in more than 21 states in Nigeria. They have the expertise and knowledge. When we brought them in, I can tell you if we were generating N700 million as IGR, as at today we are getting almost N2 billion on monthly basis and we are determined to increase it to N3.5 billion before the end of mid-year. That was the target that was given to us by His Excellency and he is always demanding report on weekly basis on statis, challenges, and encumbrances so that he will take it up.

All the infrastructure that are currently going on within Bauchi the state capital, especially the fly¬over, His excellency took a Bond from the capital market and directed that all the repayment of that bond should be from the IGR. As i am talking to you now we have paid more than seven to eight months with our IGR. The IGR is no longer porous. We have channeled it based on the governor's approval to the right channel while the remaining one will be taking care of other recurrent costs and other expenditures.

♠ Lessons in management of resources:
One of the skills of His Excellency is management. Afterwards his Excellency came in 2019, and even with that he was able to improve the GDP of the state and get Equity Ratio of the state. As at 2019 when he came. The entire gross GDP of Bauchi State ranged between 3.5 billion dollars. As at today GDP of Bauchi State is 7.5 billion dollars. That is to tell you the quantum as to how he was able to manage the little resources that we have in order to impact on economic activities in the state. So he has done a lot with the little resources he has. He has transformed Bauchi based on the acquired economic indices and he is determined to do more. He is thinking of moving the GDP to Nil billion in the next or N12 billion inthe next two years.

♠ Finance: Freeing Resources, Doin Much with Little:
Before this administration, the Internally generated revenue stood at about N700m monthly. The government put a mechanism in place to increase the IGR to about N1.5bn. The Ministry through the Internal Revenue Board engaged a competent consultant to collect the tax and yielded positive results.

As at 2023, the IGR of the state stood at about N34bn. With the administration's commitment to develop the state with infrastructure and other essential services. Governor Bala Mohammed has directed that the state resources be managed for equitable distribution across the state.

The ministry has shouldered the responsibility of repayment of the N100bn bond taken to finance the ongoing projects. This has been progressively done. Accountability and transparency has been prioritised as Bauchi embraced Open Government Partnership (OGP) for citizens' participation and engagement.Governor Bala Mohammed has ensured prompt payment of contract funds which has prevented abandoned projects in the state.

The administration has implemented the Treasury Single Account in the Revenue Board. Automation of revenue administration and adoption of multiple revenue payment options for taxpayers.

Passage of the Bauchi State Tax harmonization Law. Staff contributory pension arrears totaling N43 million have been paid Bauchi State has met all disbursement-related indicators under the World Bank-assisted State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme, allowing the Bauchi state government to qualify for financial grants for 2019-2021.

In collaboration with the USAID-funded State2State project, Bauchi State has developed a robust IGR expansion strategy for the short, medium, and long term. Within three years, the administration has been able to achieve an increase in IGR from about N27 billion recorded during the entire four-year tenure of the previous administration to 42.68 billion Naira from May 2019 to May 2022.

The increase has impacted positively on the provision of infrastructure as the financial partners have developed greater confidence in the state's ability to meet its obligations.
These are some of the achievements and measures taken for sustainable implementation of the state's revenue policy.

Implementation of the Treasury Single Account in the Revenue Board. Automation of revenue administration and adoption of multiple revenue payment options for taxpayers. Passage of the Bauchi State Tax harmonization Law.

Staff contributory pension arrears totaling 43 million have been paid. Bauchi state has met all disbursement-related indicators under the World Bank-assisted State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme, allowing the Bauchi state government to qualify for financial grants for 2019-2021. In collaboration with the USAID-funded State2State project, Bauchi State has developed a robust IGR expansion strategy forthe short, medium, and long term.

We’ve been Allocating 15% to Health, Education since 2019 -Budget Commissioner

BUDGET AND ECONOMIC PLANNING

♠ Only Kaura came prepared:
For me, I'm not just working for Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for some time, I have also worked with a number of previous governors but I can tell you that he is different. First, perhaps he is the first governor who came in fully prepared. In 2018, before his campaign, he brought a team of experts to design a vision document tagged "MyBauchiProject". The document highlights the need gap and areas that need urgent attention.

Another thing is that, after his second term re- election, he assessed the policy document season 0.1 to identify where there were gaps, and to adopt new strategies to accomplish the set goals. This was caused by several distractions of Covid-19 and the economic inflation. We did a thorough review and that led ustothis#MyBauchiProject0.2.

Like I said, he is the only Governor that clearly drew key performance indicators for every member of the Cabinet. For example, the agriculture commissioner will be assessed based on productivity to improve the sector. Everyone is being assessed based on his/her achievement.

Minimum of 85% budget performance since 2019 Since inception in 2019, there is no year we achieved less than 85%. The major issue is how we have been managing the revenue streams. The key performance-based is how one is able to do in terms of IGR. Last year, we had a projection of N24billion but achieved about N34.2bn which was 152% of our projection. For our recurrent revenue in general plus IGR, we were able to achieve about 105%. We couldn't achieve 100% on budget because of the inflow on the part of our development partners but there are justifiable reasons for attaining that.

♠ Abuja Declaration: Allocating 15% of the Budgeting to health:
Since 2019, looking at our budget lines, we have been allocating a minimum of 15% of the budget to health while education has been getting a minimum of 15% -that is about N42bn. It is unprecedented, we have never done such in education in the history of the state. We have been allocating a minimum of 30 percent to infrastructure.

♠ Perspective Plan: 2024-2034 development plan:
We have worked closely with UNDP and the Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA). This goes far beyond this administration. We hope to be able to draw a lot of funding beyond what we are currently doing. This is to address some key gaps that we have in our different sectors.

♠ N2.2bn Spent to Upgrade State-owned Information And Communications:
My ministry is saddled with the responsibility, besides being the mouthpiece of the government, ours is to inform, educate mobilize and enlighten the people on the policies of government. That we've been doing since I assumed office as commissioner on the 18th of August 2024. But even before my assumption of office, tremendous amount of money was spent on the Bauchi Radio Corporation BRC and Bauchi Television, BATV. These are the two outfits that are under the Ministry of Information and Communication being the mouth piece and image maker of the State. I received tremendous support from the governor. And in order to function effectively and make sure that we compete with our peers across the country, His Excellency invested heavily in the state -owned media, broadcast corporation, the Bauchi Radio Corporation BRC and the Bauchi State Television (BATV) where he approved and released so that there will be total upgrade of the two stations. The BRC is to be overhauled and upgraded especially the A.M station and the intervention of BATV phase one of the project. We have phase one, and all the components have arrived - 80 percent and in no distant time, we received all components and at the end of the day we look forward to the commissioning of the digitalization process.

With the amount released by His Excellency, I am assuring you, the entire studio has been overhauled and made to a global standard. He was there some weeks back. He inspected the project and he spoke affirmatively on what really transpired. The next thing is the BRC which I told you is the phase one. We must appreciate that besides these monumental achievements of his Excellency, which is anchored on purposeful leadership, we must say here that we have series of efforts that are being put in place to make sure that those who are saddled with the responsibilities are equally prepared. As far as we are concerned, we must appreciate him for these giants strides and what he has done and we are looking forward to the arrival of these components so that the dream. The expectation of people of Bauchi state to have their own radio station functioning effectively and the BATV that we are looking forward to seeing that from here to South Africa when it gets to satellite people will certainly appreciate. As far as we are concerned, His Excellency has done everything for us.

We have a conviction that when these two stations are fully put in place by the grace of God, we will now make sure that those saddled with the responsibilities, the General Manager of BATV and the General Manager of BRC are taken to task so that they come up with initiatives that will help in the area of revenue generation. When things are put in place they will see this as a responsibility binding on them so that most of these things will be off the government and certainly the governor will appreciate it.

♠ Media Houses -Information Commissioner:
Money spent on upgrading and digilitsation in the phase I and II, We have spent up to the tune of N2.2 billion. If a governor will just take such an amount and sink into outfits such as these, it goes to show his desire to make sure that the Ministry is given the latitude to continue with the good work of enlightening and mobilizing the good people of the state.

♠ Welfare of the workers:
Recently when he saw that hardship was all over the state he decided to give every worker N10, 000 and that is something everybody must appreciate. The palliative is another thing he did. The workers are not left out. When you talk about welfare you must see howthe Governor has been involvingthe trade union leaders in his activities. Every committee that is constituted at the level of the state, the Governor makes sure that labour leaders are included. So that is enough to tell you that the issue of welfare is adequately taken care of and he has never left any trade union at bay.

♠ Final word:
People should dispel with a wave of the hand the insinuation that the Governor is giving projects for personal aggrandizement. People should understand that without development we cannot move an inch. Therefore, we must rally round as individuals and make sure that we give him the support. So I call on the good people of Bauchi to stay away from those whose stock in trade is to cajole and malign him, they should see and appreciate what His Excellency is doing to develop Bauchi State for our common good. A leader must be supported in all ramifications, and that is the only thing that we must do to ensure that good things continue to come to us. So I am praying for him too.

How Gov. Bala Mohammed’s Support Makes Bauchi Safest State in North-East -Internal Scurity Commissioner

INTERNAL SCURITY

♠ Reason for creation of Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs:
It might appear to you that this time, it is necessary for all states to create the Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs for the fact that we have been having series of insecurity in the country for these few years. Nigeria is facing a lot of issues of insecurity and in Bauchi State, His Excellency deemed it fit that there should be Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs so as to make proper coordination of security issues in the State. The second part is that of Home Affairs which entails issues that have to do with Home issues, I mean Bauchi State. Issues of immigrants, there are issues of foreigners coming into this state.

This is a proper Ministry that they need to visit and make proper registration for us to know that they came from a particular place and they are now residing in Bauchi State for a certain time. The positivity of this outweighs the negativity. We relate with them and they are part of their various communities because most of them were born in those communities and so they are prone to know every activity that go on there. These are common people residing in various houses, various wards and various villages and they have been assisting us. We want other states to copy from us.

♠ Why Bauchi is one of the safest states:
We have gotten that from our leader, His Excellency, number one, there's a commitmentfrom him, number two, there's an honest commitment from His Excellency, three, there's dedication from His Excellency, number four, there's devotion from His Excellency. Another thing that motivates this is that His Excellency is always at home, in Bauchi. If you see Him go out of the State, it's because he has an official engagement that he needs to attend to personally, and within a day or two, once he's done with that he'll start coming back.

If His Excellency is going to spend 29 days in the state, as a Commissioner, I cannot travel out of the State. In fact, even before I travel to any local government, I need to get him informed. So, that is all about commitment, that is all about disciplining your people to be around and to be dedicated and devoted totheirservices.

Another thing is that His Excellency has been funding anything security in the State, the security funding has been good for the formal and non formal sector. He has committed all security agencies, the formal and non formal, to cooperate and to coordinate all security operations in the State.

By that, I think it is important to let you know that the non security sector, that is the informal sector, is directly receiving training and every guidance from the formal sector. We have several issues in the Lere district, of bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers that normally come from Plateau State because that is the boundary and those that run from Zamfara, they follow a road to Toro Local Government and they climb that mountain to Tafawa Balewa Local Government.

His Excellency is committed and we have engaged the military, the Police and the DSS are there giving us intelligence; and there's this commitment of the non formal sector (the hunters). You can attest to the fact that recently, when His Excellency visited there, when we recorded success by arresting some kidnappers and bandits, he went there and donated about 35 motorcycles to the hunters for them to feel gingered. At the same time, His Excellency directed that a Police Division should be sought from the Inspector General of Police and the Division has now been built. Recently, we sent a memo to His Excellency for the commissioning of that Police Division.

♠ Leadership style of His Excellency in 5 years:
Every citizen of Bauchi State can honestly answer this question. Those things I have mentioned are part of his leadership style. His Excellency has been a father to all the citizens of Bauchi State including non citizens, he will not segregate because you are not from Bauchi State, you cannot be given this privelage. He alwaysenjoin other peopletotreatall asequal.

His Excellency always stays at home in Bauchi and is always in his office every blessed day including non working days. Due to his commitment, even after leaving office, His Excellency is always working in his house normally from 10.00pm till 5.00am, I know this. He hardly have time for himself maybe it's only after praying Subhi in the mornings then he'll just relax for some few hours and still wake up around 10.00am, take his bath and still go to the office.

Another thing is that His Excellency has been patient with almost all of us. We are working as his subjects, we may have our shortcomings in one way or the other but he'll just call you and say that 'what you did is not right, you have to do this and do that' that is a sort of guidance and a fatherly admonishing, I feel that is very encouraging. I think it is better and good for him to do that than to just sacrifice you like this. If you hear His Excellency say that 'I'm not going to work with you,' it means you have committed something very huge. Butfortrivial mistakes and little shortcomings, he'll call you and admonish you. Again, His Excellency would want you to put in your very best and you have to work within the rules of engagement.

This list is inexhaustible but I feel, there is dedication, there is devotion to his duty, there is a commitment at the same time. A friend of mine came recently and saw the new Government House and said that it seemed as if this edifice just erupted from somewhere; and I told him that is what our Governor can do, he uses small amount of money to justify the huge investment. There's also patience and perseverance at the same time and he is always guiding usto emulate hisfootsteps.:
♠ Internal Security: A Cardinal Objective of Bala Mohammed’s Government:
"The protection of the lives and properties of the residents is one of the cardinal objectives of this administration. I, therefore, want to commend the efforts of the security agencies in curbing the rate of crime in the State." -Senator Bala Mohammed2021.

The administration of Bala Mohammed, apart from being proactive, has invested hugely in the security of lives and property of the residents. The security sector received attention which makes the state maintain its status of being the safest in the North- East region. He, therefore, in August 2023 created the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to coordinate the internal security issues and issues in the state.

In January 2024, the government donated N100 million to vigilante groups in appreciation of their contributions to maintenance of peace and security in the state, especially securing the state's forests from criminals.
The gift was given by Governor Bala Mohammed when he received members of the joint local security vigilantes who visited him at the Government House Bauchi led by the Commander General, Aliyu Umar Shayi. He gave the joint local security vigilantes the funds to purchase the needed materials to assist in excelling in their operations.

In October 2023, His Excellency the Governor celebrated the killing of 60 kidnappers by vigilante security outfits while 29 abducted persons were rescued in Tafawa Balewa LGA of the state. Mohammed said insecurity was becoming worrisome in Bauchi and reiterated his administration's commitment to protect lives and property in the state. The governor donated 30 motorcycles and N10million to security outfits in the area.

Similarly in Sept 2023, Mohammed donated NIOmillion, 50 motorcycles and his monthly salary to vigilantes in Duguri to continue fighting bandits who wanted to turn Yankari Game Reserve into their hideout. He made the declaration in Yelwan-Duguri when he paid a sympathy visit to the 37 victims who were kidnapped by the bandits in Duguri District after they were freed.

"With this, I have pledged mysalaryand allowance to my hometown for the time being for the use of all the vigilantes and other security operatives in the area in the fight against the bandits. Monthly, I will be giving N2 million to the two districts," he promised. The Governor also donated the sum of N2 million to the rescue team who freed the kidnapped victims.

In April 2021, Kauran Bauchi had distributed 50 brand new JAC operational vehicles worth N759.5 million to security agencies as part of his administration's efforts to enhance security in the state.
These operational vehicles were handed over to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, at a ceremony held at the Government House, Bauchi with all security agency in the State represented.

The IGP who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, AIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment towards improving the security of lives and property of all in the State which was evident by the kind gesture of the donation of the vehicles to security agencies.

These complementary efforts and many more are the efforts of His Excellency which are geared towards fulfilling one of his campaign promises of ensuring that all residents of Bauchi sleep with their eyes closed, and that they have a conducive atmosphere to thrive and carryout their lawful businesses.

JUSTICE

In the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) of granting pardon underthe prerogative of mercy to deserving convicts, the Bauchi State Governor, in October 2022, freed over 150 inmates remanded at various correctional centers across the State. He also provided them with money to start businesses.

The Governor, who addressed the prisoners at the Government House Bauchi, charged them to be law-abiding citizens and contribute to the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole. According to him, each of the 153 inmates received the sum of N50,000, totalling N7.6 million as capital, to help them start up small businesses in their various communities.

Similarly, in March 2024, he pardoned another 96 prisoners and supported each with the sum of N100,000 for "proper reintegration into the society". The Governor who also settled their fines, transportation fares and rehabilitation grants amounting to N20 million, enjoined them to go and sin no more.

The Governor who made this known while speaking during the event at the government house, explained that various fines imposed on them by the Courts totalling N7 million was paid by the state government and N13 million was made available for their transportation and rehabilitation.

He said that the decision to grant the pardon and amnesty to the convicts followed the report of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy that the affected persons have turned a new leaf of life.

He added that only those with minor offences and could not afford to pay the fines imposed on them at conviction were selected for the amnesty programme of his administration. Bala Mohammed disclosed that he refused to grant amnesty to those serving long terms from capital offences in order not encourage them or other to commit such offences.

According to the Chairman of State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bauchi State, Hassan U. El-Yakub, SAN, the event is significant because it is a fulfillment of His Excellency's constitutional responsibility as a responsible leader but most importantly and a clear testimony to the unwavering compassion, empathy, love and concern he has for the well- being of his people.

The Advisory Council received a total of 106 applications from convicts seeking for mercy, pardon or clemency from the Governor, prompting them to visit the Bauchi State Correctional Service and all the Custodial Centers across the State located in Bauchi, Alkaleri, Azare, Bogoro, Burra, Darazo, Ningi, Zaki, Gamawa, Misau, Shira, Toro, Tafawa Balewa and Jama'are.

It is therefore, worth commending that the Governor did not only free them from captivity but gave them little resources with which they could start life and get a source of livelihood. This is in line with his administration's commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth of the people.