By Abdulwahab MuhammadSenior Special Assistant on Communication to the Executive Governor of Bauchi State
The unfolding controversy surrounding the removal of railway tracks in Bauchi State has taken a decisive turn, as the Executive Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has resolved to formally write to the Federal Government seeking clarification on the authenticity and legitimacy of the purported authorization presented at the scene.This follows the earlier confrontation where individuals engaged in dismantling railway infrastructure were unable to convincingly justify their actions beyond presenting a questionable document allegedly issued from Abuja.Governor Bala Mohammed’s decision underscores a critical governance concern the need for transparency and proper coordination in matters involving national assets.The Governor is expected to demand:Confirmation of the issuing authority behind the letterClarification on the scope and legality of the rail track removalAssurance that due process was followedHis position is clear:No federal directive should operate in secrecy or without the knowledge of affected states.Beyond the immediate controversy lies a more troubling reality — the entire North-East region has effectively been cut off from functional railway services.This has far-reaching implications:Increased cost of transportation for goods and passengersOverdependence on fragile road networksReduced economic competitiveness of the regionAt a time when other parts of the country are witnessing rail modernization and expansion, the North-East continues to lag behind — a situation that raises serious questions about equity and national infrastructure planning.While the Federal Government continues to invest in rail development across select corridors, the situation in the North-East reflects a glaring infrastructural gap.The current controversy therefore goes beyond Bauchi — it touches on:Neglect of strategic transport infrastructure in the regionThe risk of unauthorized dismantling under unclear directivesThe urgent need for rehabilitation and reintegration of the North-East into Nigeria’s rail networkUnder the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State is not only safeguarding infrastructure but also championing the broader interest of the North-East.By seeking clarification from the Federal Government, the Governor is:Defending public assetsDemanding accountabilityAdvocating for regional inclusion in national developmentThe removal of railway tracks under unclear circumstances, coupled with the prolonged absence of rail services in the North-East, presents a defining test for federal accountability.The questions are simple but profound:Why is the region still disconnected?Who authorizes the dismantling of critical infrastructure?When will the North-East be reconnected to Nigeria’s rail future?Until clear answers are provided, Bauchi and indeed the entire region will continue to demand justice, inclusion, and development.“We will write to the Federal Government. The North-East cannot remain disconnected while its infrastructure is being dismantled.” Gov. Bala Mohammed
End
