The leader of Arewa community in the South, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has praised President Bola Tinubu for allowing the people of Bayelsa to choose their governor freely. He said Tinubu’s role in ensuring a peaceful and credible election in the state was commendable and exemplary.

Saidu spoke ahead of the inauguration of Governor Douye Diri for his second term on Wednesday. He said Tinubu should also ensure that the same democratic principle applies in Edo state, where another governorship election is due later this year.

A Sign of Resilience

Saidu, who led northern communities from across the south to Bayelsa state to witness the handover ceremony, said the election was a sign of the resilience of the people and their determination to protect their rights. He also commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for his message of peace and unity.

“We are happy with the peaceful transition in Bayelsa state with the swearing in of the governor on Wednesday for his second term. We have seen this transition as a sign that the resilience of the people can pay when the people are determined. This should be allowed in all parts of the country,” he said.

A Call for Security and Development

Saidu appealed to Governor Diri to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Bayelsa and the northern community doing business there. He said the security and development of the state were paramount and urged the governor to work with all stakeholders to achieve them.

“We as Arewa are in Bayelsa already to witness the handover on Wednesday by the grace of God. Arewa community should enjoy the government’s attention in Bayelsa. Nigeria is one. I appeal to our people and the people of Bayelsa to support the governor to deliver. He has the political will to deliver more than he did in his first term,” he said.

A Challenge for Tinubu

Saidu also challenged President Tinubu to fix the economy and the security challenges facing the country. He said Tinubu inherited a collapsed economy and a deteriorating security situation from former President Muhammadu Buhari and needed time to work.

“I know it’s not easy to fix Nigeria in six months. The previous government borrowed without improving the economy and there were no protests. So let us allow President Tinubu some time to work. In Buhari’s government, we didn’t see any protests against the massive borrowing. Kidnappers are using the state of the bad roads inherited from Buhari for their evil trade of kidnapping. I support Oshiomole that Buhari government created the problems. Tinubu should fix security so people can go to farm,” he said.

Saidu also dismissed the opposition to the transfer of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria from Abuja to Lagos, saying it was a matter of personal interest and not of national concern. He said the poor man of the north had no business with that and only wanted security to go to the farm.

Despite the challenges facing the country, Saidu expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome them and emerge stronger and better. He said he was a farmer and he used his harvest to feed the people around him as his contribution to humanity and as a leader.

“I farm millet, not for commercial purpose. This fasting, I will use from my harvest to feed the people. So government should allow farmers go to farm by addressing insecurity in the north. When people farm, it will guarantee food supply in the country,” he said.

He also called for unity and harmony among Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic, religious or political differences. He said Nigeria was a great country with a great potential and urged the people to work together for its progress and prosperity.

Source: Vanguard