Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has described the late Chief Moshood Abiola, widely believed to have won the June 12, 1993 presidential poll, as “the most acceptable democrat cherished by Nigerians”.
Mohammed said this in Gamawa Local Government Area (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 historic as it coincided with Democracy Day which he described as an unforgettable day in the history of Nigeria.
The governor, who was full of praises for the late business mogul, 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 programne today is historic and passionate; we remember today is democracy day and we decided to do it on this day.
“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,” he said.
Mohammed noted that democracy day meant remembering people who had empowered the masses, adding that the late Abiola was in that category.
The gesture, he said, was also to show appreciation to the people who brought his administration to power, adding that his government had a lot to offer to the people.
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 added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 1,200 youths and women received economic strengthening items in Zaki and Gamawa LGAs during the exercise.
The items distributed included motorcycles, sewing and grinding machines, cars and cooking oil, among others.
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. (NAN)