Bauchi-based public affairs analyst, Hamisu Shalele
A Bauchi-based public affairs analyst, Hamisu Shalele, has described Governor Bala Mohammed as one of the finest state leaders Nigeria has produced since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Speaking during an interview with NATIONAL ACCORD correspondent in Bauchi, Shalele reflected on his long-standing engagement with Nigerian politics, tracing his interest back to the era of military President Ibrahim Babangida and the two-party system of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC).
“I took interest in politics when Gen. Ibrahim Babangida upheld Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) and have being a keen commentator contributing my quota on state and national issues,” he said.
Assessing the current administration in Bauchi, Shalele asserted that Governor Bala Mohammed has maintained a consistent record of completing projects initiated under his leadership.
“And I can tell you, from the beginning of Gov. Bala’s tenure, all people based projects initiated have been completed,” he stated.
He further commended the governor’s approach to workers’ welfare, infrastructure, and social development, noting that salaries are paid promptly and accompanied by due benefits.
“Salaries which are civil servants rights are paid as at when due, with all privileges,” Shalele added.
According to him, the administration has made significant strides in rural development, healthcare, education, and agriculture—areas he described as critical to long-term growth.
“He has opened up so many rural roads for socio-economic progress, delivery of government policies, programmes. Healthcare facilities have been built, upgraded, drugs provided, education, a backbone of modern societal development has continue to receive boost, agriculture is on the governor’s top agenda,” he said.
Shalele also highlighted improved relations between the government and traditional institutions across the state.
“Our emirs, district, village and Hamlet heads have been mentally, financially, morally and even politically been brought to national standard. And they are all happy, our people at hamlet or village levels are happy. And this what governance is all about.”
“Politics is all about governance, and governance is all about satisfying the governed,” he added.
On the issue of insecurity, the analyst referenced a statement credited to former Head of State Sani Abacha, while offering his own assessment of the situation in Bauchi.
“Any public insecurity that can not be resolved within 24 hours, has the government backing. But as far as Nigeria’s insecurity goes, I give Gov Bala 85 per cent,” he said.
Commenting on the governor’s reported defection to the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Shalele described the move as reflective of popular support within the state.
“This is movement of Bauchi people. People who trust Bala Mohammed as an expert political navigator, he has joined a party of peace, growth, humility, purposeful progress where members priority is on Nigeria and Nigerians good over and above individual or group interest,” he noted.
However, Shalele cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubuhttps://www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com/tinubu-asks-ayade-to-drop-2027-senate-bid-ex-governor-reacts-with-tears-of-agon to address the country’s worsening insecurity, warning of potential political consequences ahead of the next general elections.
He said the President must “settle Nigeria’s lingering insecurity before November 2026 or lose 2027 tenancy at Presidential Villa, Abuja.”
