Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has delivered a bold message to President Bola Tinubu, calling for the removal of what he termed “excess baggage” within the federal cabinet. The striking commentary came during the commissioning of the 14.1km Umuakali-Eberi Road project in Rivers State’s Omuma Local Government Area, marking a significant moment of political candor from the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Mohammed’s remarks, while expressing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership capabilities, highlighted growing concerns about the performance of certain cabinet members who he suggests are undermining the president’s efforts. The governor’s call for decisive action reflects mounting pressure on the federal government to streamline its operations and improve effectiveness.
Speaking as the special guest at the commissioning ceremony, Mohammed emphasized the critical need for governments across all states to prioritize effective governance over political maneuvering. His intervention comes at a time when several states face significant challenges in delivering on their mandate to citizens.
The Bauchi governor took the opportunity to commend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership amid political turbulence, praising his composure and maturity in handling the state’s recent political crisis. Mohammed’s endorsement of Fubara’s achievements included a notable observation that political maturity isn’t necessarily tied to years of experience in politics.
In a meaningful gesture of support, Mohammed urged Rivers State residents to back Fubara for a second term in 2027, suggesting that the governor’s performance thus far demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities. He creatively described Fubara as more of a “field marshal” than the “general” title typically associated with his position, highlighting the governor’s hands-on approach to leadership.
The commissioning event itself showcased tangible evidence of governance in action, with the completion of the Umuakali-Eberi Road representing a significant infrastructure achievement for the Rivers State government. Governor Fubara used the platform to express gratitude to Omuma residents for their steadfast support during recent political challenges in the state.
Fubara’s response to the occasion demonstrated his focus on practical governance over political rhetoric. He announced plans to assume responsibility for revamping both the local secondary school and healthcare centre from the Local Government Chairman, Promise Reginald, indicating a commitment to direct intervention in critical social infrastructure.
The Rivers State governor’s emphasis on building human capacity rather than promoting individuals signals a departure from traditional political approaches in the region. His pledge to undertake additional road construction projects further reinforces his administration’s commitment to tangible development outcomes.
Mohammed’s critique of the federal cabinet comes at a crucial time when the nation faces various economic and social challenges. His call for removing “excess baggage” suggests a need for a more streamlined and efficient federal government that can effectively implement policies and deliver services to citizens.
The interaction between these governors from different political parties demonstrates the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, where criticism and cooperation often coexist. Mohammed’s ability to both praise Tinubu’s leadership potential while calling for cabinet changes reflects the nuanced nature of inter-governmental relations in Nigeria’s federal system.
The event highlighted the ongoing tension between governance and politics in Nigeria’s democratic system, with both governors emphasizing the importance of focusing on developmental projects and effective administration over political considerations. This approach appears to resonate with citizens who increasingly demand tangible results from their elected officials.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with various challenges, the call for more effective governance at all levels becomes increasingly significant. The exchange between these governors suggests a growing recognition that political success will increasingly be measured by concrete achievements rather than political maneuvering.
