Emir of Bauchi commends Diri on development strides as gov visits

Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for embarking on development projects that are positively impacting the people.

Adamu, who gave the commendation, yesterday, his palace in Bauchi when Diri visited him with his host, Governor Bala Mohammed, said he was impressed with reports of his (Diri’s) performance in less than two years as governor.

Diri had earlier visited Bauchi in February this year following his conferment with the title of Wakilin Kudu of Bauchi, which means brave and courageous representative of the Bauchi Emirate in the South.

A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Daniel Alabrah, quoted Adamu as listing some of the projects embarked upon by the Diri administration to include the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road, Glory Drive Road, a media complex for the state newspaper and broadcast organisations as well as the 60-metric tonne cassava and starch factory, among others.

“I remember vividly receiving you in this palace on February 21, 2021. That visit was very memorable. In recognition of your sterling qualities, the Emirate Council considered it worthy to confer on you a title that is reserved for brave, fearless and trusted personalities as the Wakilin Kudu of Bauchi. I congratulate you again,” the Emir said.

Earlier, Diri said he visited Bauchi again to pay Sallah homage to the monarch as one of his subjects, adding that he was in the state for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors meeting scheduled Monday (today) but he had to arrive earlier so he could pay homage to the Emir.

The governor recalled that apart from his cordial relationship with Governor Mohammed, the Ijaw nation and Bauchi had a long history of fraternal relationship.

This, he said, dated back to the days of the former Prime Minister of Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa and Ijaw political leaders like the late Harold Dappa-Biriye and Senator Melford Okilo.

Diri further commended his Bauchi counterpart for his performance in office, saying everyone he interacted with since his arrival spoke of his good performance.

Speaking, Mohammed said they were in the Emir’s palace to appreciate the emirate council for the title conferred on Diri, adding that Bayelsa was a second home as he always felt like he was in Bauchi whenever he visited.