The Bauchi Awareness Forum (BAF) has denounced an article penned by Yasir Shehu Adam which targeted Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
The forum, in a statement signed by its chairman, Tijjani Dalhatu, said the article published on Nation Newspaper was not only filled with sensationalism but was designed to tarnish the image of the governor.
The statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, reads : “The Bauchi Awareness Forum (BAF) categorically denounces the recent article penned by Yasir Shehu Adam and published by The Nation newspaper on March 22, 2024.
” The article in question, filled with sensationalism and blatant misinformation, seeks to tarnish the reputation of the Bauchi State Government and its esteemed Governor, Bala Mohammed.
“The BAF unequivocally condemns Adam’s deceptive narrative as a gross misrepresentation of the reality in Bauchi State, perpetuating falsehoods and skewing facts to mislead readers. The article lacks credibility, objectivity, and verifiable sources, thereby undermining the significant progress and achievements made by Governor Mohammed’s administration.
“In direct contradiction to Adam’s baseless allegations, Governor Mohammed has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing various sectors within the state, notably in education, healthcare, infrastructure, support for the vulnerable, and agriculture.
“On education, the Bauchi State Government has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including school renovations, teacher training programs, and the successful reintegration of over 500,000 out-of-school children. Moreover, the implementation of technology-driven solutions such as the TMIS and School Quality Assurance Dashboard Applications has significantly improved the quality of education in the State.”
The forum also listed health sector, infrastructure, among others, as areas the governor has performed creditably well.
” The healthcare sector has also witnessed substantial enhancements under Governor Mohammed’s leadership, with investments directed towards healthcare facilities, medical training, and the provision of essential medical supplies. Collaborative efforts with the United Nations Children’s Fund have resulted in the renovation of 43 Primary Health Care Centres, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all residents. Additionally, the establishment of the State Social Health Insurance Scheme and the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency underscores the government’s commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare services to its citizens.
“Infrastructure development has been a pivotal focus of Governor Mohammed’s administration, with strategic investments in road network improvements and transportation systems, fostering economic growth and development in the state.
” Similarly, robust agricultural programs aimed at increasing food production, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy have been successfully implemented, further boosting the agricultural sector in Bauchi State,” it said.
The forum, which the transformative initiatives brought about by the governor, that have positively impacted the lives of the people of Bauchi State, urged the public to celebrate the achievements and reject the dissemination of misleading and sensationalistic content by irresponsible media outlets.
The group also called on the media to always scrutinize articles that come their way to avoid misleading the public.
“As a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, BAF calls upon media practitioners to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by verifying information before publication. Biased and inaccurate reporting, as exemplified in Adam’s article, only serves to perpetuate misinformation and erode public trust in the media.
“BAF urges the people of Bauchi State to discern fact from fiction and resist manipulation by external sources of disinformation. Editorial integrity and ethical standards must not be compromised for the sake of sensationalism, as the public’s right to accurate and unbiased information remains paramount.
“In conclusion, the Bauchi Awareness Forum stands firmly against the propagation of falsehoods and sensationalism, advocating for fact-based reporting and informed discourse to foster a more enlightened and empowered citizenry. We remain committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in Bauchi State, and we urge all stakeholders to join us in this crucial endeavour,” the statement added.
