From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Apparently angered by recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu policies by prominent northerners , the Northeast based socio-political group under the umbrella of Forum for Northeast Development (FND) has tackled Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Major Hamza Almustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late former Head of State , General Sani Abacha.
The Forum, which claimed Tinubu’s reform would be of great benefits to the north in the long run said, it has carefully studied the President after he was sworn in, and discovered he means well for the country.
The group however, stated that it has come out to back the new tax reform policies initiated by President Tinubu, because the Northeast and entire northern region will benefit immensely.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Forum,Alhaji Baba Mala Biu and Comrade Lawan Mohammed, the Forum explained, “First,we have no reason to complain because our son the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima is from the northeast geopolitical zone and we believe he can’t betray us as a people as one of the trusted individuals that we rely upon politically.
“It is really unfortunate that some northerners such as :Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed and Former Chief Security Officer to late former Head State ,Major Hamza Almustapha have raised voices against a president that is working hard to restore the economy and indices of growth and development.
“We urge people of North-East and other parts of the north to remain hopeful and have confidence in Tinubu and Shettima led administration, because there is every optimism that the tax Reform policies and other economic reform policies are geared toward establishing a solid foundation for sustainable development in the region.
“So, it is unwise and unacceptable for anyone from northeast region to join haters of the President to criticize reforms geared towards revamping our economy”. The statement added.
Recalled that Major Hamza Al-Mustapha claimed President Bola Tinubu squandered his goodwill with his shambolic performance since assuming office.
Similarly ,Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had criticised President Tinubu, saying his economic reform policies are putting the North and Nigerians under strain.
“But, we are putting the records straight that President Tinubu together with Kashim Shettima are two set of focused and committed individuals who are passionate and have sound knowledge about good governance and selfless services to humanity.
“It against this background that we ask people from the Northeast to support President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to succeed and take us to that desired level of development”. The statement added.