You are Icon of inclusive governance– Bala Mohammed tells Mutfwang ****condoles Plateau over general Useni demise

By David Odama

Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has applauded Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his inclusive governance approach, which embraces all faiths and ethnic nationalities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Describing Governor Mutfwang as Icon of good and inclusive governance, Bala in a statement by the Director of press and public Affairs to governor Mutfwang, Bere Gyang at the weekend during a condolence visit to his counterpart at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, following the passing of Lt. Gen. (Sen.) Jeremiah Timbut Useni and Sheikh Saeed Hassan Jingir, the Second National Deputy Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS).

“I have come to commiserate with you over the demise of two great and highly respected individuals, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni and one of our most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Saeed Hassan Jingir.

“Your leadership style has set a standard for inclusivity. Everyone in Plateau State feels a sense of belonging under your government. Even before I arrived, I received calls from people expressing gratitude for your interventions, especially in the Muslim community, something unprecedented in Plateau’s history.

“That is the same principle we uphold in Bauchi, where we are building churches because it is the right of every community to have places of worship. Your vision, magnanimity, and commitment to infrastructural development make us proud as fellow PDP leaders.”

Governor Mohammed also used the visit to commend Governor Mutfwang for fostering inclusive governance, describing him as a true representation of the ideals of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“He was a peaceful, uncontroversial religious leader who played a vital role in deepening Islamic teachings and fostering unity across Nigeria. His Ramadan sermons in Bauchi were always inspiring, and his passing is a monumental loss not just to Plateau but to the entire nation. It was necessary for us to visit you, as a leader who has demonstrated exceptional inclusivity in governance.”

Governor Bale while describing late Senator Jeremiah Useni as a symbol of wisdom and generosity, noted that the deceased had impacted countless lives during his lifetime.

He further revealed that before visiting the Plateau State Government House, he and his delegation had first paid a condolence visit to the family of Sheikh Saeed Hassan Jingir in Jos to express their sympathies in recognition of the late Islamic scholar’s immense contributions to national unity and religious harmony.

Governor Mohammed extended his deepest condolences to the government and people of Plateau State, urging them to take solace in the fact that both departed leaders lived fulfilled lives marked by patriotism, humility, and selfless service to humanity.

In his response, Governor Mutfwang warmly welcomed Governor Mohammed and his delegation, describing him as a true neighbor and partner in ensuring peace and security in both Plateau and Bauchi States.

“This visit reaffirms the deep-seated bond between our states, united by shared values of peace, tolerance, and progress. Moments like these remind us of the strength found in unity and the importance of preserving our collective heritage.

“I deeply appreciate my elder brother, His Excellency, for standing with us in this time of mourning. The legacy of great leaders and scholars like Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni and Sheikh Saeed Hassan Jingir must not fade; rather, it should be preserved and passed down so that future generations can learn from their wisdom and sacrifices.

“Now, more than ever, Nigerians must embrace our common humanity. We are one people, bound by the faiths of our forebears, not by coercion, but by heritage. It is our duty to educate our children and communities on the need for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and unity, despite the challenges we face.”