“I Celebrated Your Victory in 2023, But Freedom Has now Eluded Us” – Bala Mohammed to Tinubu

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating that while he initially celebrated Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 general elections, he now believes both freedom and development are slipping away.

Speaking at the Government House in Bauchi during a visit from Apostle Johnson Suleiman, Founder and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, Mohammed criticized the president’s governance style, arguing that Tinubu assumed office without a clear blueprint or manifesto and is surrounded by individuals he described as “misfits.”

“I hold President Tinubu in high regard, but someone must speak up and tell him that he is surrounded by misfits. I can now see, from the perspective of the Man of God, that Tinubu entered governance unprepared, without an agenda or a manifesto,” Mohammed stated.

The governor explained that his initial support for Tinubu stemmed from the president’s record as a former governor of Lagos State, believing that his achievements there would translate into national progress. However, he now feels disillusioned, stating, “I celebrated when he became President, despite belonging to a different party. I thought freedom had arrived, but now I see that both freedom and development are slipping away.”

Mohammed emphasized that his criticism was not personal but based on concerns over policies he believes could negatively impact Nigerians. He recalled his history of supporting leadership initiatives, including his role in the Senate during the Doctrine of Necessity, which facilitated Goodluck Jonathan’s rise to the presidency.

He further urged the government to adopt policies that unite rather than divide, advocating for inclusivity and respect for Nigeria’s diversity. “We should not enact policies that lead to division or impunity. We must respect our diversity and practice inclusivity, just as Prophet Suleiman exemplifies by spreading his message globally.”

The governor concluded by calling on President Tinubu to consider his remarks as constructive criticism aimed at fostering better governance. He cautioned against reactionary leadership based on poorly understood foreign policies, emphasizing the need for a clear and strategic vision to prevent the country from heading toward instability.

“I advocate for reforms that benefit us all, not because I oppose change, but because I want positive reforms that make a real difference,” Mohammed said.