Gov Mohammed Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Governance, Religious Harmony at Christmas Rally in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence, declaring that his government will not tolerate any form of favouritism or discrimination, whether real or perceived, in the affairs of the state.
The Governor made this declaration while receiving members of the Christian community who paid their annual Christmas rally and homage visit to the Government House, Bauchi.
The delegation was led by the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State chapter, alongside various Christian groups and faithful from across the state.
Governor Mohammed said Bauchi State has continued to enjoy relative peace and harmony under his administration, a development he attributed to deliberate policies anchored on equity, fairness, and mutual respect among people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
According to him, this peaceful coexistence has created a stable environment for development and progress in the state.Addressing the gathering, the Governor described the Christmas season as a moment of joy, reflection, and gratitude, noting that the celebration reflects the shared values that bind the people of Bauchi together.
He said the presence of the Christian community at the Government House symbolised unity, hope, and the collective identity of the state as one family despite religious differences.Governor Mohammed recalled that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has been guided by the belief that governance must belong to everyone equally and without qualification.
He said conscious efforts have been made to guarantee religious freedom, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence between the predominantly Muslim population and the Christian minority in the state.
“Today, Bauchi State is celebrated across Nigeria and beyond as a model of harmony,” the Governor said, adding that the peace enjoyed in the state is not accidental but deeply rooted in its culture, values, and lived realities.
He noted that it is common in Bauchi to find families where members practise different religions under the same roof, united by love, respect, and shared destiny.
He explained that this principle of unity in diversity informs the state’s governance approach, including appointments, policies, and programmes, stressing that building trust and unity has helped unlock the full potential of the state’s rich diversity.Governor Mohammed also highlighted recent reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, including the creation of new Emirates and a Chiefdom.
He said the exercise was designed to meet the aspirations of the people for representation, identity, and self-actualisation, while reinforcing the role of traditional institutions as custodians of peace, unity, and development.
According to him, traditional institutions remain pillars of communal cohesion, and the creation of new administrative units will foster inclusivity and empower more communities to participate meaningfully in governance with dignity and a sense of belonging.
The Governor further emphasised that although Bauchi State is home to many cultures, peoples, and faiths, it shares one common future governed by law, justice, fairness, and compassion.
He said the values of Christmas love, generosity, compassion, and hope are universal and resonate deeply with both Christianity and Islam.
He recalled that Muslims and Christians in Bauchi have a long tradition of celebrating together, whether during Eid or Christmas, and stressed the importance of sustaining this spirit of mutual appreciation and solidarity.
Governor Mohammed expressed profound gratitude to the Christian community for their support, prayers, and contributions to his emergence as Governor, assuring them of continued fairness in political appointments and equitable distribution of projects and programmes across the state.
He pledged to protect all residents of Bauchi State regardless of religion, tribe, or background, describing their safety, dignity, and prosperity as his sacred responsibility.
The Governor also disclosed that the Bauchi State Government has funded over 3,600 Christians for the 2025 pilgrimage to Jerusalem, with the pilgrims scheduled to depart shortly.
He urged the Christian community to continue praying for peace, unity, and progress in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.Earlier, the Bauchi State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Dr. Abraham Damina Dimeus, commended Governor Mohammed for what he described as all-inclusive governance marked by equity and fairness.
Represented by the CAN Secretary, Rev. Matthew Wakili Laslimbo, he said the Governor had fulfilled promises made to the Christian community before his election.
He cited the completion of the CAN Secretariat, allocation of a new Christian cemetery, and provision of roads and social amenities in Christian-dominated areas as evidence of the Governor’s commitment.
Other Christian leaders and groups also praised the Governor for ensuring that Christians in the state are not marginalised, presenting him with various awards in recognition of good governance.
