The North-East Unity Forum (NEUF), a prominent non-governmental organization, on Saturday, faulted Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, over his recent remarks about Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
The NEUF expressed its disapproval of Dare’s article titled “Governor Bala Mohammed Playing Irresponsible Politics: An Expression of Crass Irrationality and Utmost Insensitivity by a Nosediving Government.”
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Umar, the group described Dare’s remarks as misplaced, arguing that the President’s aide should focus on the widespread struggles of Nigerians instead of attacking Governor Mohammed for addressing the pressing issues affecting ordinary citizens.
He said: “We at the North-East Unity Forum (NEUF) have read the statements made by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to the President.
“It is unfortunate that the spokesperson, who should be concerned about the realities of the majority of Nigerians’ suffering, has instead chosen to berate Governor Bala Mohammed for speaking the truth about the plight of the masses.
“This pedigree and record of accomplishments position Governor Mohammed to speak authoritatively on issues of public concern, particularly on policies like the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which the Governor has rightly criticized for its potential harm to Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.”
The group highlighted Governor Bala Mohammed’s extensive public service record, emphasizing his nearly 30 years of experience, including roles as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and now as a second-term governor of Bauchi State.
NEUF dismissed Dare’s criticisms as baseless, stating that he lacked the qualifications, exposure, and understanding of the realities facing ordinary Nigerians. “Dare, who has failed in previous roles and now occupies his position by accident, lacks the grasp of real issues affecting the people. In his attempt to defend his daily bread, he has waded into sensitive matters without understanding their implications.”
The forum accused Dare of defending what it termed “the malicious policies of the Tinubu administration,” which it claimed were empowering a select few while impoverishing the majority of Nigerians.
He added, “Governor Mohammed has spoken the minds of the masses in Northern Nigeria, highlighting the need for the insensitive government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize that under his leadership, Nigerians are dying of hunger and illnesses caused by harsh and unworkable policies. The average Northerner is living in fear, hunger, and trauma due to these policies.
“2027 is just around the corner, and youth coalitions will work tirelessly to ensure President Tinubu does not return for a second term. This government has been adjudged the worst since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, thanks to its unrealistic and inhumane policies.
“The masses of Bauchi State are pleased with their Governor, who has created policies that promote egalitarianism and development. Dare should focus on fixing the damage caused by his principal and avoid meddling in issues he does not understand.”
The group urged Dare to focus on advising the President to withdraw harsh economic policies and address the suffering of Nigerians rather than commenting on issues in Bauchi State, a region they claim he knows little about.