Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared his willingness to work with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to improve governance in Nigeria.
Mohammed made this statement on Thursday when Obi paid him a consultation visit at the Presidential Lodge in Bauchi. Their discussions focused on addressing poverty and insecurity, which the governor said were challenges that went beyond political, religious, or ethnic differences.
“We discussed state-by-state challenges, and I feel highly appreciative of what he is doing as the leader of the opposition because, whether we like it or not, he is the leader of the opposition now in Nigeria,” Mohammed stated.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s problems and pledged to work closely with Obi.
“I want to say, without giving room for those doubting Thomases and mischievous minds to pre-empt what we are doing, that I am ready to work with Peter Obi,” he said.
Mohammed stressed that their partnership was aimed at improving governance and strengthening the opposition to ensure a better future for Nigerians.
“We will make sure we come together, close ranks, and bring good governance to the country. We will provide a vibrant opposition with knowledge, timelines, and visions in such a manner that we will rescue and recover our country,” he added.
The governor also hinted that other members of the opposition party, including governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were supportive of such alliances.
“Our coming together is a message, and the message is going to resonate. All our colleagues, the PDP governors, are behind this kind of journey because it is a transcendental one. We are coming together to work irrespective of party, region, religion, or any other thing,” he stated.
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On his part, Peter Obi explained that his visit to Governor Mohammed was part of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s challenges and the need for strategic partnerships to address them.
“It’s just a consultation and discussion meeting that will continue as we talk about the future of this country,” Obi said.
He highlighted the importance of addressing poverty and insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria, to build a stable and prosperous nation.
“We have to discuss issues happening in the North. I have told the governor today that the North is a critical component if we are going to get it right in this country,” he said.
Obi argued that poverty reduction was key to tackling criminal activities and urged the government to invest in critical areas that would uplift people from hardship.
“There is poverty in Nigeria. We have to deal with the issue of poverty, and until you solve poverty, then you can talk about criminality,” he added.
The meeting between Obi and Governor Mohammed lasted for more than three hours behind closed doors before they addressed the press.