News Editor
…Calls on Kauran Bauchi to join the presidential race and lift Nigeria from the shackles of poverty.
Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Vanguard (BAM-V), a support group for Governor Bala Mohammed on Thursday, purchased the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential form for the Bauchi state governor.
The group made up of young and emerging leaders from across the six geopolitical zones of the country said it arrived at the decision to buy the form for Mohammed after rigorous consultations across the country. It said Nigeria is in dire need of a detribalised leader who will unite the nation and that Mohammed is that leader.
Presenting the nomination and expression of interest forms to the Kauran Bauchi at the Bauchi state governor’s lodge in Asokoro, the group said they are calling on Senator Bala Mohammed to accept their gift and join the race for the presidency.
Speaking at the occasion, the chairman of the Bala Mohammad PIU, Professor Udenta O. Udenta described the event as historical, saying that the news of the decision of BAM-V came to the PIU as a surprise.
“Today, history has been made. The joy of all of us here is that history is being made by the people of this country.
“When this news came to us that a group of proud Nigerians, mostly young people across the country have decided on their own through self sacrifice, thorough voluntary contributions decided surprise his excellency.
“What effort you have started years ago, those efforts have been culminated in a massive success today.
“I don’t know the gift you have brought for his excellency but I know for sure that, that gift will mark a new beginning for this country, that gift will mark the dawn of a new era, that gift will mark the beginning of inclusivity of unity of oneness of the people of this country.” Udentae said.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ambassador Charity Anthony disclosed that the group decided to obtain the form for Governor Mohammed because of his antecedents.
“Your excellency, Sir, today BAM-V has really honoured you and seen you as a leader with vision and passion for humanity.
“We consulted from the South South, we consulted from the North East and West, we went round and we saw your past antecedents, what you have done and we began to outline some qualities, your excellency we discovered that among the men that are standing, you are the potential that this country needs sir.
“Your excellency, you are becoming the pulse and the conscience of the nation right now. During our consultations, wherever we go to and mention your name, they welcome you and will say if it is Senator Bala, then we are for him. That is because you are destined to rule this country, sir.
“I promise on behalf of all us standing here that we will work tirelessly to ensure that you emerge the president. We will not betray you, sir.” She said.
Governor Bala Mohammed, while receiving the presidential form purchased for him by delight and assured the group that he is a servant, willing to serve his fatherland in any capacity the people deem necessary.
The Kauran Bauchi assured the group that he would not let them down. Describing the action of the group as the ignition needed to fire his presidential journey. He said he would be a president of Nigeria and not of any particular section.
“I thank Nigerians, especially the people of Bauchi state who have found me worthy to be their governor and kept me in the political circle.
“This day is very auspicious to me, it is not the day that I will make my declaration speech but certainly it is a day that has filled me with a lot of exhilaration to make sure that I am able to provide leadership, to present myself, even if willingly I was not ready to contest, what BAM-V has done today has provided the normal ignition, the impetus for me to say that the journey has just started.
“Out of honesty and humility, I have always ran away from leadership, not because one is not competent, there may be more competent and valuable people here as you can see we have intellectuals but certainly if the responsibility falls on you, you must take the responsibility especially if it is don’t in a manner as it has been done to me by BAM-V.
“I assure you, if we are given the opportunity, we will not let you down, I am not going to be a Northern president or a president for the southsouth or southwest, I am going to be a president for Nigeria and for Nigerians.
“We will make sure we bring inclusion, throw away nepotism, make sure that everybody has a sense of belonging especially the youth of Nigeria that are left to wallow in disillusionment, in want and in poverty.
“Nigeria has the resources, given the right management and spirit to take and assume leadership not only in Africa but in the world. I am happy you have said all you have said about me. I don’t want to say so much, but I want to say that this journey is not just for me but for the country.” He said.
Governor Mohammed also reiterated his position on consensus building, being what is needed to rescue the country.
“You have heard me champion the need for consensus, consensus building is what we need in the country
“If your own man Bala Mohammed is not the president, somebody that will be president should be somebody amenable or amiable to the ideas of Bala Mohammed and is willing to implement them.” Mohammed said.
