The meeting, which according to reports lasted over three hours, took place at the state’s ‘Presidential lodge’ in Bauchi with focus on tackling poverty and insecurity beyond political, religious, or ethnic divides.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Bala, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Governors’ Forum, expressed his willingness to collaborate with Obi to promote good governance in Nigeria.
The Bauchi governor commended Obi while assuring that their collaboration will resonate as he claimed that other PDP governors are ready to come together and work irrespective of party.
“We discussed state-by-state challenges, and I feel highly appreciative of what he is doing as the leader of the opposition because, whether we like it or not, he is the leader of the opposition now in Nigeria. I want to say at this level, not to make some of those doubting Thomases and mischievous minds pre-empt what we are doing, that I’m ready to work with Peter Obi.
“We will make sure we come together, close ranks, bring good governance to the country, and give vibrant opposition with knowledge, timelines, and visions in such a manner that we will rescue and recover our country.
“Our coming together is a message, and the message is going to resonate because all our colleagues, the PDP governors, are behind this kind of journey because it is a transcendental one. We are coming together to work together irrespective of party, region, religion, or any other thing.” Bala said.
On his part, Obi explained that his visit to the Bauchi governor was for discussions on national issues, given that the governor is a key political figure and Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum.
“It’s just a consultation and discussion meeting that will continue to go on as we talk about the future of this country.
“We have to discuss issues happening in the North. I have told the governor today that the North is a critical component if we are going to get it right in this country.
“There is poverty in Nigeria. We have to deal with the issue of poverty, and until you solve poverty, then you can talk about criminality.” he said.
Obi harped on the need for massive investments in key sectors to lift people out of poverty and reduce crime.
