By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Saturday, accosted some people who are removing railway sleepers along the rail lines corridors of Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of the state.
The Governor therefore raised serious concern over the development calling on the concerned authorities including security agencies to act very fast to stop the economic sabotage drive.
A visibly enraged Bala Mohammed expressed the concern after observing activities of contractors who were removing the sleepers while traveling to Alkaleri Local Government Area on a condolence visit.
Bala Mohammed immediately directed his Chief of Staff to write a formal complaint to the Federal Ministry of Transport, seeking clarification and expressing worry that national assets in the state are being dismantled without consultation with the State Government.
According to him, “Although security personnel accompanying the workers claimed they were acting on Federal directives, such explanations were insufficient to justify removing critical infrastructure supporting transportation and agricultural produce distribution.”
He warned that dismantling the rail line could signal neglect of vital regions, especially as the infrastructure plays a key role in easing transportation challenges and supporting movement of goods.
The Governor further emphasized the need for transparency and collaboration between federal and state authorities, stressing that decisions affecting critical infrastructure must consider the economic impact on local communities and livelihoods.
However, upon investigation, Bala Mohammed was told that there was a letter from the Federal Government warranting the removal of the rail tracks by the contractors, though no reason was given.
While addressing the community, the Governor stressed that, as a leader, he will investigate further in Abuja considering the fact that railway transportation remains the most viable means of effective and efficient transportation of goods and services for the common man.
Bala Mohammed further wondered if the Federal Government has now abandoned the planned rehabilitation of the various railway infrastructure across the country especially in the North-East subregion which is underserved in terms of infrastructure.
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed making calls to ascertain the development
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