By: Daure David
Ordinarily, one wouldn’t bother responding to the recent condescending post by George Udom a man better known for cherry-picking figures to support political narratives than for any credible policy insight. However, for the sake of public clarity and in defense of the integrity of His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and the good people of Bauchi State, a response is necessary.
First, let’s begin with the claim that the ₦450 billion Bauchi State budget for the 2025 fiscal year is “bizarre” or “artificially balanced.” Such a statement reveals either a willful misunderstanding of public budgeting or a desperate attempt to distort facts for partisan gain.
George Udom may not be familiar with how subnational budgets function in Nigeria, but let us educate him:
State budgets often include a combination of internally generated revenue (IGR), federal allocations, grants, counterpart funding, and expected capital inflows all of which are subject to projections and policy direction. This is not “wishful thinking”; it is standard financial planning.
The ₦168 billion George refers to as “miracle inflows” are part of a strategic funding framework based on both ongoing negotiations with development partners and federal government counterpart programs.
The Governor Bala Mohammed administration has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract such funding, evidenced by numerous infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements, and agricultural investments across the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed is not only serious, but methodical, bold, and visionary his administration has delivered where others have only promised. From rural road projects that have opened up economic access, to comprehensive educational reforms and investment in health infrastructure, Bauchi State has seen measurable progress under his leadership.
Now, let us briefly address the name-calling. Referring to the Governor as an “old fool” is not only childish but unbecoming of anyone hoping to be taken seriously in public discourse. Resorting to insults when there is no intelligent argument to present only weakens your credibility further, George.
If Mr. Udom is truly concerned about governance, perhaps he should look inward toward the chaotic fiscal mess in many APC-controlled states, some of which can’t pay salaries without emergency bailouts, despite receiving more federal allocations than Bauchi. Under Bala Mohammed payment of salary is a priority that he hasn’t failed to leave up to making sure civil servant are paid despite challenges of paucity of fund and corruption in civil service system.
Let it be clear: Governor Bala Mohammed remains focused on delivering for the people of Bauchi State. He will not be distracted by keyboard analysts or partisan propagandists masquerading as data boy and experts in cheap political blackmail to score cheap political goal. His record speaks louder than your ridicule.
We invite all well-meaning Nigerians to look beyond the noise and see the real progress happening in Bauchi. We are inviting the naysayers and doubting Thomas to come to Bauchi State and see things for themselves instead of relying on an old fools that thrive on sabotage.
