Bauchi 2027: Ex-Gov Yuguda's Media Aide, Akuyam Makes Case for Prof. Pate
Beatrice GONDY, Bauchi
As the search for who succeeds Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state come 2027, a Senior Special Assistant on Media Relations to Ex-Bauchi Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, has disclosed that the coordinating minister of health and social development, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate stands a better chance for the plum job.
In a piece titled "Leader of Integrity: Why Professor Ali Pate Deserves Your Vote for Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Liman Akuyam said Bauchi State boasts of a rich political history spanning over a century.
According to him, Bauchi's political landscape has been shaped by various ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Fulani, Sayawa, Karekare, and Waja, among others, adding that the state has produced notable politicians of high integrity and patriotism.
Alhaji Akuyam mentioned notable politicians produced by Bauchi to include Malam Sa'adu Zungur, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who served as Nigeria's first and only prime minister before and after independence, and many others.
He said presently, Bauchi State has continued to play a vital role in Nigeria's politics, as a result of its diverse population and rich cultural heritage.
Akuyam who noted that Pate as a Nigerian physician, politician, and renowned public health leader, has the quality needed of a good leader.
While mentioning Profile of Professor Pate, including his numerous achievements in both private and public sector, national and international, Akuyam said Muhammad Pate was in 1993 privileged to have been recruited to work for the British Medical Research Councils Laboratories in Gambia where he has started his international public health carrier, among others tasks to many to mention.
"In recognition of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate's outstanding contributions to humanity through the health sector, he was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was on the verge of assuming his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization in Geneva, Switzerland, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invited him to serve as Minister of Health", the media aide to former Bauchi governor Isa Yuguda said.
He said Professor Pate has consistently supported grassroots organizations operating in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the organizations work with front line community leaders, training over 70,000 of them within eight years.
Alhaji Akuyam further explained that throughout his career, Pate has seized every opportunity to promote virtue, discipline, and good conduct.
"Notably, he secured donations worth over $1 billion for Nigeria's health sector from foreign individuals and organizations", he added.
Alhaji Akuyam added that Pate's accomplishments have earned him several recognitions, including Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), conferred upon him in 2022, Harvard Health Leader, awarded by the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program in 2012.
He stressed that Pate, a professor at Harvard University's Department of Global Health and Population has authored several publications on global health issues.
Alhaji Akuyam mentioned that Professor Pate's 35 years of extensive experience in public service, spanning the health sector and politics, has undoubtedly honed his expertise in human relations and polished him as a politician par excellence.
He said, with his vast experience and unwavering commitment to serving humanity globally, the people of Bauchi should look to him as their next democratic Governor.
Alhaji Akuyam stated that presently like most Northern states, Bauchi State having agriculture as its major economic resource, requires a moral, decent, and transparent politician to lead the citizens in achieving their economic objectives.
"Professor Pate's extensive experience interacting with world leaders must have instilled in him a strong desire to bring his knowledge of development back home, driving transformative growth and prosperity in Bauchi State", he said.
Alhajj Akuyam mentioned that Ali Pate has consistently excelled in his service, demonstrating fairness, transparency, humility, and critical thinking in his management.
"He's a principled individual who commands respect from everyone. I'm optimistic that if he were elected Governor of our dear State, he would utilize his God-given wisdom to govern effectively", Alhaji Akuyam disclosed.
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POLITICS