By Muhammad Sani
Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Muhammad Maiwada Bello, has described democracy as not just about elections but about service, accountability, and inclusive development.
Maiwada made the assertion in statement issued to facilitate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day celebration.
He equally used the opportunity to commend Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for what he described as unprecedented strides in his six years administration.
According to Bello, the Governor Bala’s administration has made significant progress in various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, and governance.
Other achievements of the administration he mentioned includes the construction and rehabilitation of numerous roads, expansion of the Gubi Dam pipeline system, and drilling of over 1,000 boreholes across rural areas.
Maiwada insisted that the administration has also prioritized education and healthcare, renovating hundreds of primary healthcare centers and public schools, and providing support for over 14,000 students from indigent backgrounds.
He continued “In a bid to promote financial accountability, the administration introduced mechanisms that led to the removal of over 2,100 ghost workers from the state payroll, saving millions in public funds. This move has contributed to a significant increase in internally generated revenue, which rose from ₦27 billion in 2019 to ₦42.7 billion by 2022.
“The creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection has improved coordination between the state and community vigilantes. Notably, the ministry has facilitated the rescue of kidnapped victims and the pardon and reintegration of over 240 inmates into society with financial empowerment.”
The commissioner described Bauchi State as a “shining example of democracy at work,” noting that the people have seen the dividends of good governance and effective leadership.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on the progress made since the return to democratic rule and support leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.
