BASG Distances Self from Widespread Rumors to join the nationwide planned protest

SSG Bauchi State Barrister Ibrahim Kashim 

 From Usman Shehu, Bauchi

The Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Kashim has described the circulated rumors of Bauchi State planing to join the nationwide proposed protest fixed for early August 2024, as mischievous, malicious and mocry intended to tarnish the good name of the State and it law abiding citizens by some retrogressive elements.

Barrister Ibrahim Kashim made this known during an emergency Press Conference held at the Government House Bauchi.

He said the state is committed to upholding law and order and asserted that all security agencies would take decisive action against any attempts to disrupt peace and stability during the planned protests across the country.

He clarified that the state government does not endorse nor tolerate such activities that could potentially threaten public safety and security and assured that Bauchi State Government’s responsibility to maintain peace and protect citizens from any form of disturbance will not be compremized.

The SSG said, Bauchi State Government is not aware nor welcoming any protest in the state and warned potential protesters to “think twice” before attempting to organize any demonstration in Bauchi, stressing that the state will not tolerate any protest because Bauchi People are peace loving and committed to supporting good governance at all levels.

He said "the emergency press conference was necessited as a result of false information circulating that the state approved the closesure  of all Primary Healthcare Centers on the day of the planned protest".

Barrister Kashim, totally denied this claim, saying it is fabricative, Government has not taken such an unhumanitarian decision. Confirming that Bauchi State Government has Commenced investigation into the matter and any body or group discovered to be responsible for sharing the false information will face the law as the government will not take it kindly.

It was reported in some national dailies last Tuesday that Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, had announced that the State Government will close all PHCs on the day of the proposed nationwide anti-government protest.

Dr. Mohammed was quoted to have said that “Security reports indicate that our PHCs are targets during the planned protest. We are not willing to risk the lives of our staff and patients; therefore, we will shut down the facilities.,

“On the day of the protest, our health facility staff will be on holiday to avoid being victims of the attack. Normal services will resume after the protest.”