Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has expressed his displeasure over violence that erupted during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Azare, the headquarters of Katagum local government area of the state.
Mohammed stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after an emergency security council meeting held at the state government house on Tuesday.
The governor said they were with the youth in their demands but mentioned that the state government was not in support of any form of violent protest and would not hesitate to disconnect from such.
“We are with the youth in Bauchi state but at the same time, we are not with those who want to unleash mayhem, violence and destruction of lives and properties.
“Protests are the rights of everyone in a democracy. It is the right of the people to show anger.
“There is a lot of hardship and so, definitely, we have to listen, make amends on policies of the Federal government, the State and Local Governments and as leaders at various levels, we have to make amends,” he said.
Speaking on the curfew imposed in Azare, he said, ”it is to protect other innocent Nigerians, the government and the people.
“We cannot allow this breakdown of law and order to go beyond the manifestation we have seen today in Bauchi.”
While commending the security personnel for handling the violence, the governor said all hands must be on deck to ensure that there is no repeat of what happened in Azare and some parts of Bauchi metropolis.
“We are assuring all the people of Bauchi of their safety and security through persuasion and ensuring that security agencies go by the rules of engagement.
“This will ensure that there is no arbitrariness, subjectivity and arbitrary use of force and at the same time being firm to ensure that lives and properties are protected,” he assured.
(PUNCH/NAN)
