by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

The Bauchi State has approved the sum of N2 billion for procurement of fertilizer for the 2023 farming season with a view to boosting food production in the state.

The State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, disclosed this when he hosted a Special Sallah Homage led by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, and other traditional title holders of the Bauchi Emirate Council at the new Government House, Bauchi, at weekend. 

He called on Islamic clerics to always preach the gospel of peace and unity according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, and warned them against making inciting remarks and testing the will of government, and even as the governor is not above the law.

According to him, he is in consultation with the state Chief Judge and Grand Khadi regarding the appropriate measures on how government can approach cases of incitement, without stifling the fundamental rights of parties involved in such cases, and that those found guilty of breaching the relative peace the State is enjoying will be dealt with decisively.

While saying that, government cannot fold its arms and watch, while few individuals or groups twist its will, he added that recent sermons by some preachers have been on national discourse and had projected the State negatively.

He stressed with assurance that, government will address the issue administratively and in accordance with the laws of the land, giving all indicted parties fair hearing.

He said, the first phase of the money is to secure enough fertilizer for farmers, adding that more of the fund would be approved, as an agrarian state with vast lands would help farmers have access to fertilizer for bumper harvests.

The governor commended people of the  state for entrusting him with the leadership of the state for a second term, assuring that he would consolidate on the success of his first term in office by constructing more roads, building more hospitals, schools and providing other basic needs.

Speaking on (in)security, the governor said his administration was working in close collaboration with security agencies and traditional rulers to combat it.

While congratulating the entire Muslim Umma for the successful end of the Ramadan, the governor appealed to the people to pray for the success of his administration. 

Speaking earlier, the Emir of Bauchi State, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, commended Governor Bala on the “visible development” he brought to the state, and appealed for more of infrastructural development to communities in the suburbs and other underserved settlements within the state. The emir then prayed for peace, love and tranquility in Bauchi State and Nigeria.

Highlights of the visit were the Grand Durba mounted by the Emir, Emirate Council members and a host of other horse riders, amidst fanfare and pageantry, even the people defied the sweltering heat.