Christian Community Raises Concerns Over Alleged Diversion of Yakubu Adamu’s Empowerment Programmes

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

A concerned member of the Christian community in Bauchi State, Hulda Nuhu, on her facebook has called on the All Progressives Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Yakubu Adamu, to review the distribution of his empowerment programmes to ensure that intended Christian beneficiaries receive the benefits.

Nuhu, who identified herself as a Christian from Southern Bauchi, made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the governorship candidate, alleging that some individuals entrusted with distributing empowerment funds and resources meant for Christian beneficiaries had failed to deliver them to the intended recipients.

She said there had been repeated complaints within the Christian community over the alleged failure of some empowerment interventions to reach the wider population, despite claims that resources had been released for their benefit.

According to her, the situation could create the wrong impression that Adamu was neglecting the Christian community, even when he might have made provisions to support its members.

She urged the APM candidate to appoint trusted and accountable representatives to supervise the distribution of empowerment materials and funds whenever he could not personally oversee the process.

Nuhu alleged that some individuals entrusted with representing the interests of Christians had turned themselves into gatekeepers, thereby restricting opportunities meant for the wider community to a few beneficiaries.

She further observed that while empowerment programmes reaching the Muslim community were often publicly acknowledged and celebrated, similar interventions allegedly intended for Christians sometimes failed to receive wider publicity because of the activities of a few individuals.

The concerned citizen warned that such practices could damage Adamu’s political image and create resentment among Christians who might wrongly conclude that he was not interested in their welfare.

“Please, go back to your drawing board. Do not assume that because the political atmosphere appears favourable, everything is already settled,” she said.

Nuhu acknowledged the goodwill Adamu enjoys among sections of the Christian community, particularly in Southern Bauchi, but cautioned that such support should not be taken for granted.

She attributed part of the goodwill to the political relationship and confidence built under the administration of the outgoing governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

While insisting that she was not asking Adamu to favour Christians over Muslims, Nuhu said her concern was for fairness, equal opportunities and an accountable system that would ensure no group was excluded from empowerment initiatives.

She also cautioned the candidate against interpreting the silence of some Christian leaders as evidence that the entire Christian community was satisfied with the existing arrangement.

Emphasising the political implications of the concerns, she reminded Adamu that he would still need the votes of Christians in the 2027 governorship election.

“Elections are not won by assumptions, political calculations or the applause of a few people around you. They are won by people who feel seen, heard, respected and included,” she stated.

She called on Adamu and Senator Bala Mohammed to pay attention to the concerns, stressing that political goodwill must be sustained through fairness, communication and genuine inclusion.

Nuhu urged the APM candidate to ensure that empowerment benefits reach the intended beneficiaries and that those entrusted with distributing them are accountable to the wider community.

She signed the letter as a concerned daughter of Bauchi State and identified herself as “Mommy’s Pikin Local AREWAGYAL.”