…Group says state needs “leadership grounded in empathy,” urges fiscal discipline, security

The League of Bauchi Professionals has called on residents of Bauchi State to back the governorship bid of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, saying he is “best positioned to unlock the state’s vast potential.”

In a press statement issued by its Secretary, Ibrahim Yusuf, following Tuggar’s official declaration and grand homecoming in Bauchi on Saturday, 25th April 2026, the League said Ambassador Tuggar “embodies the kind of leadership required to inspire progress and deliver results.”

“According to the statement, ‘Bauchi needs leadership that motivates through action and example—leadership grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and a clear vision. Ambassador Tuggar represents the type of leader capable of helping the people shape their collective destiny.’”

While commending the success of the declaration event, the League urged supporters “not to relent but to intensify efforts toward securing victory at the polls.” The group reiterated that the state “requires leadership anchored on service, integrity, and measurable progress.”

The League further emphasized that Tuggar’s track record in public service “demonstrates a consistent commitment to the security, prosperity, and well-being of the people.”

“He understands that leadership is not a matter of convenience, but a solemn responsibility to serve with dedication, accountability, and transparency,” the statement added.

Highlighting the basis of its endorsement, the League pointed to Tuggar’s “core values of trust, truth, consistency, and a strong sense of duty.” It noted that “his tenure as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister reflected a deep moral obligation to national service, adding that Bauchi stands to benefit from his blend of global experience and local understanding.”

The statement also stressed “the urgent need for prudent financial management in the state, calling for leadership that will sanitise public finances, eliminate waste, and enforce fiscal discipline.”

“Bauchi’s resources must work for the many, not the few. Ambassador Tuggar possesses the experience and vision to drive sustainable solutions and attract genuine investment,” the group stated.

Reinforcing its position, the League cited Tuggar’s “commitment to ensuring safety and economic stability across the state.”

“Farmers must be able to access their farmlands without fear, traders must move freely, and every child must feel safe going to school,” it said.

The group further underscored “the importance of transparency and inclusive development, insisting that all wards across the 20 Local Government Areas must be fully informed and involved in how public resources are allocated.”

“Anything less would amount to repeating past mistakes,” the statement warned.

Describing Tuggar as “a proud son of Gamawa and a seasoned statesman with proven integrity on the global stage,” the League argued that “he is uniquely qualified to lead Bauchi into a new era of prosperity.”

It also noted “the need for equitable leadership opportunities across the state, pointing out that since the return of democracy in 1999, certain zones have yet to produce a governor.”

“Ambassador Tuggar’s extensive experience across multiple sectors, combined with his reform-driven governance philosophy—particularly in public procurement and accountability—places him far ahead of other contenders,” the statement added.

The League concluded by reaffirming its belief that “Bauchi’s future depends on leadership capable of understanding its challenges and delivering practical, sustainable solutions.”

“Bauchi requires focused, principled, and forward-thinking leadership. We firmly believe that Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is the man for the job.”

The Advocates for Economic and Political Advancement on Tuesday described recent criticisms of the Nigerian economy by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “cheap politics dressed up as concern” and pure propaganda.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the group said Atiku’s comments were not rooted in genuine economic analysis but driven by bitterness after multiple unsuccessful attempts to lead the country.

In his address, Dr Opialu Fabian dismissed Atiku’s reference to Nigeria’s external reserves of about $48.45 billion as evidence of failure.

He noted that the same economic framework projects the reserves to rise above $51 billion within the year, describing the situation as a managed adjustment within an ongoing reform cycle rather than a decline.

The group argued that reserves are influenced by several factors, including exchange rate management, capital flows, and liquidity interventions by the Central Bank, and should not be viewed in isolation or used for political effect.

“Select a number. Strip it of context. Amplify it for political effect. That is not economic analysis. That is political theatre,” the group stated.

The Advocates highlighted what they described as significant macroeconomic improvements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

They pointed to projected economic growth of 4.49 percent, a sharp drop in inflation from over 34 percent to about 14.5 percent — with expectations of further decline to around 12.94 percent — as well as a balance of payments surplus and gradual return of investor confidence.

The group praised the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, saying it signals a new era of policy coherence, structured tax reforms, improved revenue generation, and better utilisation of idle funds and public assets.

They noted that over $20 billion currently sits idle in the banking system under reserve requirements, while many public assets worth tens of trillions of naira remain underutilised, adding that addressing these inefficiencies forms a core part of the ongoing reforms.

While acknowledging that Nigeria is still in a transition phase with attendant challenges, the group maintained that the bold decisions taken by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the foreign exchange market, were necessary and are beginning to produce positive results, including increased disbursements to states for development projects.

The Advocates urged Nigerians to focus on the broader picture of structural reforms rather than short-term fluctuations, calling on political actors, especially Atiku Abubakar, to engage honestly with facts instead of recycling talking points that ignore visible progress.

“The economy is stabilising. The reforms are taking hold. The direction is clear. No amount of political noise can change that reality,” the group concluded.

The Northern Coalition for Justice (NCJ) has criticised comments by Atiku Abubakar on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on insecurity, describing the remarks as “politically driven and insensitive to the plight of victims.”

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Mallam Mustapha Alhassan, the group said Atiku’s reaction not only misrepresents the government’s efforts but also “amounts to a subtle mockery of victims of insecurity across the country.”

The Coalition argued that while national grief over insecurity is real and must be acknowledged, exploiting such tragedies for political criticism risks trivialising the suffering of affected communities.

“It is deeply concerning that comments of this nature, rather than offering solutions, appear to weaponise the pain of victims for political advantage. In doing so, they inadvertently mock the very people whose suffering is being cited,” the statement read.

Mallam Alhassan said the administration of President Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to addressing insecurity through sustained military operations, improved inter-agency coordination, and increased investment in security infrastructure.

He noted that the country’s security challenges are longstanding and complex, requiring time, consistency, and collective effort to resolve.

“No responsible government will abandon its duty to protect lives and property. What is required now is unity of purpose, not commentary that deepens division or diminishes the sacrifices being made to restore peace,” he said.

The group also faulted the “emotional and exaggerated framing” of insecurity statistics, warning that such narratives could create panic and undermine public trust in ongoing efforts.

According to the Coalition, political leaders have a responsibility to contribute constructively to national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues such as security.

“Leadership demands empathy, but it also requires responsibility in communication. Public statements must aim to heal, not inflame; to unite, not divide,” Alhassan added.

The NCJ further stated that the President’s remarks reflect determination to confront insecurity rather than indifference to the suffering of citizens.

It said resilience and steadfastness are necessary qualities in leadership, especially in times of national challenge.

“The President’s position should be understood as a commitment to stay the course and confront these challenges head-on. It is not, in any way, a dismissal of the pain experienced by Nigerians,” the statement said.

The Coalition urged political actors to rise above partisan considerations and support efforts aimed at strengthening security institutions and protecting lives.

It also called for greater collaboration between government, opposition leaders, and citizens in addressing the root causes of insecurity.

“At a time when the nation is confronting serious threats, unity is not optional; it is essential. We must all contribute to building a safer Nigeria,” the group said.

The NCJ reiterated its support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, commending their sacrifices and expressing confidence in ongoing operations.

It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and supportive of security efforts, while rejecting narratives that could undermine national cohesion.

“Security is a shared responsibility. We must stand together in defence of our country and in solidarity with the victims; not use their pain as a tool for political scoring,” Mallam Alhassan said.