By Sule Aliyu
Bauchà State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has expressed gratitude that Nigeria is still a united country against all odds, 64 years after gaining independence.
Muhammad made the remark in a press release signed by his special advisor on Media, Comrade Muktar Gidado, on Monday, on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independent anniversary .
“It is with deep sense of gratitude to Allah (SWT) that I send you my felicitations on the occasion of the 64th Independence Anniversary of our dear country on 1st October, 2024,” he stated.
“We should all give gratitude to Allah for sparing our lives to witness yet another anniversary.
“The 64th Independence Anniversary should be used to reflect on the struggle and sacrifice of the founding fathers of this country and also strive to ensure that their labour shall not be in vain.
“It is gratifying to note that sixty four years after independence we have belied the skepticism on our ability to govern ourselves.
” Today, we have shown to the world that, against all odds, we are not only able to govern ourselves, but are able to understand our differences, respect each other’s values and unite towards developing our country despite our socio-cultural heterogeneity”
The Governor recalled that Nigeria had suffered serious setbacks in the political arena which seriously affected its political and economic growth since 1960.
“It is however, gladdening that today democracy has found its roots in the country,” he said.
“The dividends of democracy are manifest and the citizens are happy.
“We in Bauchi State have taken a multi-dimensional approach to all the developmental projects which resulted in success all round, particularly in infrastructural development.
“Having been granted another mandate by the good people of Bauchi State to run the affairs of the State for another four years, I want to assure you that we will redouble our effort and work harder to provide more dividends of democracy than we did during our first term”
The Governor said his administration has collaborated with security agencies to protect the lives and property of citizens by swiftly addressing any form of security challenge.
“I want to assure you that security would continue to be top on our priority so that the relative peace being enjoyed in the State is sustained,” he assured
“I would like to seize this opportunity to commend you all for your perseverance in the face of the current economic hardship that has made life unbearable.
“Let me reassure you that the palliative measures taken by both the State and Federal Governments to mitigate the hardship through provision of food and non-food items would be sustained.
” I therefore call on you to exercise more patience and cooperate with the Government in its effort to bring succor to you all.
“As we celebrate the 64th Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria, my appeal to all of us is to re-dedicate ourselves to the development of our country, be patriotic and above all continue to pray to Almighty Allah to shower His mercy and blessings on us so that we can continue to live in peace with one another and make our State and country great”