Bauchi 2023 governorship: Air Marshal Sadique dare opposition, says he’s undeterred

The immediate past Chief of Air Staff and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer for Bauchi State, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has said he is not deterred by actions of desperate politicians opposing his ambition to become the governor of the State.

Air Marshal Abubakar was speaking at a get-together organised by his friends and some Bauchi state indigenes resident in Abuja in his honour, to celebrate his achievements and retirement from service.

The 20th Chief of Air Staff bowed out of office in February, having spent forty-two years in the Nigerian Air Force. He is said to be one of the longest Chief of Air Staff in the history of the Nigerian Air Force.

Speaking, Sadique said he has consciously considered the plight of the people of the state and cannot continue to fold his hands and watch them suffer.

He said his credentials are visible for the people to see and make their choice in the gubernatorial elections.

“It was my plan at the time of my retirement to devote time to my family and other personal endeavours and more desired rest from public service after over forty-two years of active service.

“However, the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, in his wisdom tasked me with another assignment which we all know about. Midway into this assignment, you the good people of Bauchi state, through our elders and community leaders called me to come and contribute my effort to the development of the state. It is a call I cannot refuse in the light of the present state of affairs of the state in particular and the country in general.

“As you know 2022 is a year of intended political activities, our credentials have already made huge impacts on some politicians leading to embark on desperate moves to counter whatever we are said to achieve in the interest of our people.

“We are not bothered because we are focused and will remain so until the reality dawns on them that our intentions are noble and we will not be distracted in our desire to add value to our society. We neither remain passive nor indifferent to the plight of our people.

“It is appalling to see those who are saddled with the exceptional privilege of leading their people abandon this responsibility, remain passive and most times complicit in doing those things that only lead to impoverishment and hopelessness. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, posterity will not forgive us if we sit on the fence and allow future generations of our people to be destroyed by self centred leaders”, he added.

Reacting on the issue of out-of-school children and maternal mortality, he said leaders must jointly address the challenge in the state.

He said, “We must collectively act to reverse this ugly trend and open the gates of schools to those students that has been denied the opportunity to go to school.

“In Bauch state alone, we have 1.4 million out of school children in our state, similarly we have 1,549 women that die for every 100,000 birth in Bauchi state.This statistics are very frightening.

“Our teeming youth population also deserves a future and a comprehensive developmental plan that will create in them a sense of ownership of government of the state.

“We must work to support appropriate agencies to take care of their education and general well-being so they can contribute to the development of society. Our women folk need to be empowered also as a foundation.

“Pensioners, I am also a pensioner. So many of my people have not enjoyed the opportunity of collecting their pension as at when due, this is really sad. Pensioners in Bauchi state are in dire need of support. We are critically working to see how we can extend a helping hand to them and their families”.

The Air Marshal who was present with his wife who is also the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq appreciated his friends for organising the ceremony in his honour.

“My family and I are deeply touched by your show of love and the interest you have taken in my modest achievements as the Chief of the Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force and also as an ambassador of the Republic of Chad.

“I have severally approached many of you seated here for assistance and support in the course of discharging my duties as the 20th Chief of the Air staff. I hope the bond, relationship we have established over the years will continue to wax stronger.

“Let me also assure you that I will continue to put in my best for our people and our nation”, he noted.

Also, the present Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force congratulated the ex Chief of Air Staff for his meritorious carrier and retirement from service.

In his words “Indeed his appointment as the 20th chief of air staff was an evidence of his outstanding leadership qualities, dedication to service and loyalty he consistently displayed in the various appointments over the years before being appointed as the Chief of the Air Staff.

“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to be willing, able and ready to promote unity, faith, peace and progress of our dear country Nigeria.

“He however called on Nigerians to support the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed forces of Nigeria to discharge their duties of protecting lives and property as well as the territorial integrity of our beloved country”.