By Khalid Idris Doya
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter, has opposed the state government's reported plan to borrow N298.15 billion, expressing concern over the state's existing debt of N441.69 billion.
The party warned that the proposed borrowing could have serious implications for the state's financial future, calling on Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to suspend the plan and provide details of how previous loans were utilised.
In a statement signed by its State Secretary, Abubakar Sani, the PRP said the government had yet to adequately explain to citizens how funds borrowed in the past had been spent.
The party described the proposed loan as alarming and called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the state's finances.
"With only a few months remaining before the election, in which the ruling party will be squarely defeated by the PRP, we strongly call on Governor Bala Muhammad to stop this borrowing and provide full transparency and accountability regarding the state's debt and the use of borrowed funds," the statement said.
The opposition party also expressed concern over alleged political interference by some traditional rulers in Bauchi State, including claims of harassment of its members, particularly in rural communities.
The PRP, however, commended traditional rulers who had maintained political neutrality despite alleged pressure to support the ruling party or treat opposition members unfairly.
It urged traditional rulers to remain impartial, stressing that their positions required them to serve as fathers to all members of their communities, irrespective of political affiliation.
"However, we are concerned by reports that some traditional rulers are taking sides with the ruling party and suppressing the lawful activities of opposition members within their domains," the statement said.
The party described such conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the law, urging those allegedly involved to desist from actions that could undermine their traditional institutions.
It warned that using traditional positions to suppress opposition activities could damage the reputation of the institutions and create unnecessary tension and disorder in the state.
The party also expressed confidence in its governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, describing him as better equipped to manage the state's resources prudently and competently for the benefit of residents.
According to the PRP, its candidate represents a better alternative for the people of Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The PRP further disclosed that it had received reports that the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi State had instituted court cases against the party and its governorship candidate, although it said it had not received any formal notice.
The party described the reported legal actions as attempts to attract public attention and distract both the opposition and residents seeking a change in leadership.
It noted that previous cases involving its candidate had been filed at the Bauchi State High Court and the Federal High Court but were dismissed.
The PRP expressed confidence that the latest case allegedly instituted by the APM would suffer the same fate.
"We urge the APM to understand that these attempts to distract the public and express fear through legal action against the PRP and its candidates will not spare them the inevitable defeat the people of Bauchi State have in store for them in 2027," the statement added.
The party maintained that it remained focused on its lawful political activities and its commitment to providing the people of Bauchi State with what it described as a better alternative in the forthcoming elections.
Our correspondent contacted the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, to obtain the state government's response to the allegations.
The Commissioner explained that he was out of town on an official assignment in Bogoro local government area. However, he assured our correspondent that he would respond to the allegations appropriately upon his return.
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