Bala spent N5.5m on Sallah meat for Journalists, social media handlers
By Mohammed kaka Misau, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has spent the sum of N5,500,000 on Sallah meat for working Journalists and his social media teams in the state.
Alhaji Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication who made this known in a press statement on Monday said the amount was spent on Sallah gifts in materials and cash.
According to him, the beneficiaries include, members of Government House Press Crew, State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Kaura Singers and Social Media Groups as well as Senior Journalists.
Gidado who said the beneficiaries got one bull each for the Sallah festivities, noted that the donated items and cash were handed over to the leadership of the groups by his office.
The Special Adviser said that the gifts were meant to enable the beneficiaries celebrate the sallah in a joyful mood considering the economic downturn in the country.
Muktar Gidado also said that the Governor’s extension of hands of fellowship to the media family was in recognition of their relentless contributions to the development of the State through objective reportage in the last three years of his PDP led administration.
While soliciting for the consolidation of the commitment of the Journalists, Bala Mohammed reiterated that his administration remains resolute to ensuring the welfare of both serving and retired Journalists in the state.
Comrade Mukhtar appreciated the Governor for the kind gesture at a moment like this,
On his part, the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu while appreciating the governor, said that the gifts was a demonstration of a cordial relationship existing between the Governor as a one time Journalist and the entire media practitioners in the state.
Comrade Umar Sa’idu however charged the Journalists to reciprocate the gesture through promoting peaceful coexistence and good governance for the betterment of the society.
The NUJ Chairman also urged Journalists to remember that they are neutral and must demonstrate such by giving equal opportunity to all, particularly in the ongoing political process.
He urged his members to shy away from reports, analysis, opinions, editorials and commentaries that are likely to breach the peace in the State.
Comrade Umar said in times of crisis and chaos, even the Journalists will not be free to perform their social responsibility.