TheCable

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, has described the late MKO Abiola, self-acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, as “the most acceptable democrat” in Nigeria.

Mohammed spoke in Gamawa LGA of the state during the distribution of empowerment items to youths and women under the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP).

He said the empowerment scheme is historic as it coincided with Democracy Day which he described as an unforgettable day in the history of Nigeria.

The governor said Abiola provided the country with a lot of empowerment programmes without considering the tribe, language and geographical location of the beneficiaries.

“Our launching of this empowerment programme today is historic and passionate; we remember today is democracy day and we decided to do it on this day,” Mohammed said.

“This is because Chief Moshood Abiola, who we are celebrating, empowered several people.

“He did that across board without considering the religion, language and origin of those that benefited from the gestures.

“Abiola will remain in our memory as the most acceptable democrat or politician in Nigeria.

“We all voted for him and that is why myself, my deputy and the government decided honour to him this day by coming to Gamawa and Zaki to empower the people.”

Mohammed noted that Democracy Day meant remembering people who had empowered the masses, adding that the gesture was also to show appreciation to the people who brought his administration to power.

The governor urged the people of the state to continue to have confidence in his administration and live in peace with one another.

“Continue to live in peace, eschew rumour-mongering and have confidence in us. We are not here to take away your common resources, we are here to make sure we build resources,” he said.

The state government had initiated the N1.5 billion KEEP scheme to empower youths and women across the 20 LGAs in its drive to reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation at the grassroots.