Ahead of the planned anti-government nationwide protest scheduled for August, the Bauchi State government has firmly declared that no protests will be allowed within its jurisdiction.
This is as the government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state.
Recall that the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, had earlier announced that all health care centres will be closed down on the planned date of the protest.
Mohammed said that the decision by the state government was to protect the lives of healthcare staff and patients as it envisaged potential security breach during the protest.
Speaking during the opening of the bi-annual media engagement on PHC Services Reporting Techniques held in Bauchi, Mohammed said, “Security reports have indicated that our PHCs may be targeted during the protest.”
However, speaking at a press conference held at the Government House on Thursday, the Secretary to the Government of Bauchi State (SSG), Barrister Ibrahim Kashim, countered the claims by the Chairman of the State Primary Health Care that protest will hold in the state.
He stated that the government will not stand by and allow any protests in the state.
According to Kashim, the Bauchi State Government is neither aware of nor supportive of any plans to hold protests in the state.
He warned those planning to protest in Bauchi to reconsider their intentions.
The SSG said the government will not tolerate any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Kashim stated further that the state government has no knowledge of or involvement in such a decision, adding that the claims are being investigated, with the intention of punishing those responsible for spreading false information.
The SSG assured that all Primary Health Care Centers and public institutions in the state will remain open, despite the rumors of the planned nationwide protest.
