Arewa Online Publishers’ Association, Bauchi State chapter has commended the State Governor Bala Mohammed over decision to reverse the planned deductions of workers’ salary for COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Bauchi state coordinator of the association, Mallam Mohammed
Haruna said governor Bala has demonstrated stewardship by ceding with Bauchiworkers by “avoiding the mistakes of the past”.In a statement circulated to Journalists in Bauchi, AOPA said“We have always argued that Governor Bala Mohammed is not a passive governor,he listens to voices of wisdom and have zero tolerance for indolence andmediocrity—and that is what he has demonstrated once again.”
The association said the reversal of the planned deductionshas “rejuvenated the hope and confidence the people of Bauchi State have onyour administration and its visionary strides that cede with the hoi-polloi”.
“This decision hasreiterated how sensitive and responsive your administration could be on theplight of the masses.
“You have demonstrated to the labour union in the state thateven where it fails to do its statutory responsibility, you are not going to behoodwinked into doing what will earn you the wrath of the masses”, thestatement read in part.
The Association also accused the federal government of “cherrypicking states it wants to help fight COVID-19.”.
“We left our tongues wagging as to how the federal governmentignominiously selected the states that should enjoy palliatives associated withthe pandemic.
“Bauchi state governor was the first high profile personalityto test positive for this virus, but unfortunately, the federal government appearstoo insensitive to sympathies with the governor let alone support the people ofthe state upon whose mandate and show of love Buhari is steering the Presidencytoday”.
The association further accused the federal government offavouring APC led-states in the distribution and allocation of COVID-19incentives to cushion the effect of the pandemic.
“History will document this selective treatment by PresidentBuhari and the federal government.
“Even the populist Trump administration in the US appearsmore sensitive enough to support states on the basis of needs and magnitude ofthe virus.”
The association accused the federal government of betrayingthe “people of Bauchi state at the time of needs.”
“After luring the people of Bauchi state to give them massive votes, the Buhari led administration is rewarding us badly”, the statement added.
WikkiTimes had reported how workers in the state rejected moves to slash a certain percentage in their salaries to fight the pandemic.
The State government later backtracks and withdrew the plan.
