Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has sharply criticized Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent remarks, branding them as juvenile and opportunistic. This exchange highlights the deepening rift between the two prominent figures.
Governor Mohammed had previously released a statement through his media adviser, Mukhtar Gidado, denouncing Dogara’s comments as an attack on the judiciary and labeling them as “mindless vituperation” from someone who shows little respect for the legal system. In response, Dogara has issued a robust rebuttal, challenging the Governor’s criticisms and presenting a series of counter-accusations.
Dogara questioned the Governor’s timing and motives, stating, “Is it not romantically foolish to wait until personally provoked before speaking out, as if the mismanagement of our scarce resources and the destitution inflicted upon our people isn’t enough provocation?” He further criticized the Governor’s response as an exhibition of arrogance and a lust for power, likening it to “combining Godzilla with Frankenstein—sheer madness.”
Dogara highlighted Bauchi State’s alarming statistics, including a 64.67% rate of out-of-school children, the highest in Nigeria. He accused Governor Mohammed of neglecting critical educational needs in favor of constructing government buildings. Dogara also took aim at the Governor’s claims of healthcare improvements, arguing that the state’s healthcare system is in dire condition under Mohammed’s administration.
Addressing allegations of hypocrisy, Dogara challenged Governor Mohammed to clarify his political stance during the 2023 presidential elections, suggesting that Mohammed had been dishonest about his political affiliations and contributions.
Dogara extended an offer for a public debate on governance, inviting Governor Mohammed to choose the platform and moderator. “If you have criticisms about me, be man enough to say them to my face,” Dogara stated.
He also dismissed Mohammed’s claims about constructing primary healthcare centers in his constituency, describing them as absurd. “The healthcare system in Bauchi State has collapsed under his leadership,” Dogara asserted. “If there are indeed doctors in the public hospitals, let him produce their names and the hospitals they are serving. The people of Bauchi are not fooled by these pretenses.”
