Rural Community Development (RCDO)
Suite 6, Mazfala Plaza
Abuja
Date: August 11, 2024
For immediate release
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The Rural Community Development Outreach (RCDO), a non-governmental organization committed to the sustainable development of rural communities across Nigeria since 2010, is compelled to address a serious issue that is threatening peace and progress in Bauchi State and possibly the country at large. As an organization that has always championed the concerns of rural people, we have observed with deep dismay the recent actions of Honourable Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, which can only be described as a reckless attempt to undermine the significant progress made by Governor Bala Mohammed in Bauchi State.
Governor Bala Mohammed has not only been a beacon of hope for rural communities in Bauchi State, but has also set a precedent for governance that puts the needs of the people above political expediency. His administration’s unwavering commitment to rural development has transformed Bauchi State and earned it both national and international recognition, including the Best Governor of the Year for Rural Development by the Buhari administration and the Best Governor of the Year for Urban Renewal by the Tinubu administration.
Under the leadership of Governor Mohammed, Bauchi State has experienced unprecedented growth in agricultural production. By 2023, the state will supply over 75% of the agricultural produce consumed in the North East. His forward-thinking policies have also resulted in more than 500 local farmers undergoing advanced training at CSS Farms in Karu, Abuja, in collaboration with Israeli experts. These achievements have not only improved the lives of countless rural dwellers but also positioned Bauchi State as a model for sustainable rural development in Nigeria.
However, it appears that the laudable progress in Bauchi State has become a target of those who put personal ambitions above the common good. Honourable Yakubu Dogara has launched a blackmail and smear campaign against Governor Bala Mohammed in a desperate attempt to regain his political relevance. This is the same Dogara who contested and campaigned against President Tinubu’s Muslim candidates in the 2023 presidential election after being denied the running mate as Vice Presidential candidate.
In a breathtaking display of hypocrisy, Dogara has now positioned himself as a defender of the Tinubu administration and launched baseless attacks against Governor Mohammed in an attempt to curry favour with the President. Credible information available to us shows that Dogara and his cronies are actively trying to tarnish the Governor’s image by digging up old media reports and tricking journalists into republishing them in an attempt to discredit his administration.
This strategy of blackmail and incitement is not only dangerous but also sets a disturbing precedent in our political landscape. It is particularly worrying that Dogara, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, is resorting to such tactics, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with widespread discontent and economic difficulties. Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent speech to protesting youths in Bauchi was a necessary intervention to calm tensions and address their legitimate concerns. Dogara’s attacks on the governor are therefore not only an attack on Bala Mohammed but also an attack on the very people he has campaigned for.
The RCDO calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise up and condemn this baseless attack on Governor Mohammed. Honourable Yakubu Dogara must be called to order before his actions trigger further unrest among the youths who are already on the verge of collapse due to the failed policies of the APC and the Tinubu administration. We must not allow a few disgruntled politicians to sow discord and destabilise the progress made in Bauchi State.
As a nation, we are at a critical juncture where the actions of a few can have far-reaching consequences for many. The Honourable Yakubu Dogara needs to be reminded that political power is not an end in itself, but a means to serve the people. His recent actions betray the trust his constituents have placed in him and reflect a disregard for the welfare of the very people he once promised to serve.
The RCDO calls on Dogara to reconsider his stance and focus on constructive engagement rather than divisive rhetoric. Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of political tactics at the expense of national unity and development. The future of our country depends on the ability of our leaders to put the common good above personal ambitions.
In conclusion, the RCDO calls on all relevant authorities, including the Nigerian media, civil society organisations and the public, to hold Honourable Yakubu Dogara accountable for his actions. We must collectively reject all attempts to undermine the progress made in Bauchi State and ensure that our politicians continue to stay on the path of development and unity.
Let us remember that the strength of our nation lies in our ability to stand together in the face of adversity. We must not allow the selfish ambitions of a few to undo the progress we have made as a people. It is time to call the Honourable Yakubu Dogara to order and remind him that the true measure of leadership is the ability to inspire, uplift and unite, not to incite and divide.
Signed:
Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe
(National Coordinator, RCDO)
Hello Yewande Jide
(National Secretary)
