WikkiTimes Publisher Haruna Salisu has lambasted Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed for jailing a popular Islamic scholar who criticized his administration’s policies even though he enjoys doing same to others.
Mohammed in a live Facebook video argued that if the governor can constructively criticized President Bola Tinubu’s policies he ought to develop thick skin to accept constructive criticisms.
“Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi was arrested and imprisoned by Governor Mohammed, who has consistently shown intolerance toward the scholar’s dissenting opinions,” he said
The Publisher, while acknowledging the governor’s criticisms of the President as healthy for democracy, questioned why the governor himself fails to accept similar criticisms.
He argued that if the governor can engage in constructive criticism of others, he should equally allow constructive critiques of his own administration, as such discourse is essential for the growth and success of democracy
Mohammed expressed his displeasure, questioning why the Bauchi Governor, who claims that his criticism of the President’s policies stems from a desire to improve the lives of citizens, would suppress or silence anyone who dares to expose wrongdoing within his own administration.
“The governor should replicate same in his state by allowing constructive criticism of his administration’s policies. But the reverse is the case in Bauchi State”, he said.
According to him, he has been highlighting the negative impacts of certain government policies on ordinary citizens.
However, rather than addressing these issues and finding solutions, the governor has chosen to use his considerable authority to target and persecute the Islamic cleric.
“That is the reality. It was due to constructive criticism that Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi was silenced. What was his offence? His only crime was calling on the government to do the needful, just as the governor himself has done by advising Sheikh Jingir on the President’s policies,” said Mohammed.
“Dutsen Tanshi was doing exactly what you are now doing to Bola Tinubu’s presidency—urging it to address its shortcomings. He was highlighting how some of your policies are causing hardship for Bauchi citizens, but instead of addressing these concerns, you used unscrupulous clerics and the Shariah Commission to humiliate him.”
Mohammed, however, praised the governor’s boldness in criticizing the federal government’s policies when others remain silent. He expressed hope that more voices would join the governor in speaking out.
“The governor is correct; Mr. President’s policies are not effective. Poverty is worsening by the day, and many families cannot afford three square meals. But while doing this, I remind the governor to also permit constructive criticism of his policies in Bauchi State,” he added.
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