People Have Right to Express Frustration — Bauchi Gov Backs Protests

Governor Bala Muhammad

Bauchi Governor: Protests Are a Right, Not a Crime

Bauchi governor supports nationwide protests...

Bauchi Governor Bala Muhammad supports peaceful protests, citing widespread hunger and government inaction, but condemns violent clashes, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility to maintain peace and stability.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Muhammad has expressed support for the ongoing protests in Nigeria, citing widespread hunger and government inaction as justification for citizens' frustration. He acknowledged that Nigerians have the right to express their discontent when they feel ignored by those in power.

Governor Muhammad made these remarks on Tuesday, August 7, after an emergency security council meeting held at the state government house in Bauchi. He emphasized the people's right to protest as a means of holding the government accountable for addressing their struggles and improving their living conditions.

“Protests are the rights of everyone in a democracy. It is the right of the people to show anger,” he says.

Governor Bala Muhammad voiced his disapproval of the violent clashes that erupted during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Azare, emphasizing his government's strong stance against such destructive behavior.

The governor reiterated that his administration categorically rejects any form of violent protest, and would not hesitate to publicly distance itself from individuals or groups engaging in such actions, instead advocating for peaceful and constructive expressions of dissent.

“We are with the youth in Bauchi state, but at the same time, we are not with those who want to unleash mayhem, violence and destruction of lives and property.

“There is a lot of hardship and so, definitely, we have to listen, make amends on policies of the federal government, the state and local governments and as leaders at various levels, we have to make amends,” the Bauchi governor said. Speaking on the curfew imposed in Azare.

Mohammed said, “It is to protect other innocent Nigerians, the government and the people.

“We cannot allow this breakdown of law and order to go beyond the manifestation we have seen today in Bauchi.”

The governor commended the security personnel for their efforts in containing the violence, but also stressed the need for collective responsibility in preventing future occurrences of such incidents in Azare and other parts of Bauchi city, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts towards maintaining peace and stability.

“We are assuring all the people of Bauchi of their safety and security through persuasion and ensuring that security agencies go by the rules of engagement.

“This will ensure that there is no arbitrariness, subjectivity and arbitrary use of force and at the same time being firm to ensure that lives and property are protected,” the governor assured.