By Desire Emmanuel
Bauchi State governor, Mohammed, on Saturday, April 11, got angry as he saw some contractors removing rail tracks along the corridors in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of the state.
The governor, who stopped on the way during a journey to Alkaleri, was said to have been told by the contractors that they got orders from Abuja, backed by a letter, instructing them to remove the rail tracks.
The governor therefore raised serious concern over the development, calling on the concerned authorities including security agencies to act very fast to stop the removal.
A competent source close to the state government told Impact Nigeria News Online on Saturday evening that following the development, the governor directed his Chief of Staff to write a letter to the Federal Ministry of Transport, seeking clarification on the development.
He also expressed worries that such major national assets in the state are being dismantled without consultation with the state government.
It was gathered that when the governor asked questions, the contractors claimed they were acting on directives and that there was a letter from the Federal Government warranting the removal of the rail tracks by them.
He warned that dismantling the rail line could signal neglect of vital regions, especially as the infrastructure plays a key role in easing transportation challenges and supporting movement of goods.
The governor further emphasised the need for transparency and collaboration between federal and state authorities, stressing that decisions affecting critical infrastructure must be taken with the involvement of the states where such infrastructure are located.
While addressing residents of the community where the rail tracks are being removed, the governor told them that he would investigate further and ask the ministry in charge when he visits the Federal Capital Territory.
