President Muhammadu Buhari has for the second time cancelled his planned visit to Bauchi State to commission the newly established Nigeria Airforce Base in Bauchi.
His Special Assistant on Social Media, Sha’aban Sharada, via a telephone call in Hausa, yesterday morning, apologised for his inability to make the visit, citing poor weather condition which hindered the take-off of the Presidential flight.
His words: “I am not able to visit Bauchi State because of the poor weather condition this morning (Thursday) in Abuja. Based on the advice of experts and meteorologists the poor visibility made flying impossible today. This is why the visit had to be postponed.
“I wish to express my gratitude to the people and government of Bauchi State for mobilising and trooping out to welcome me. I am praying that this would turn out to be the best for the people of the state in the end and soon by God’s grace I shall make the visit to the state.”
The second failed visit to Bauchi State, like the first cancelled one, left hundreds of supporters, horse riders, motorcyclists, traders among others who thronged the streets and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, to welcome him stranded in the scorching sun and disappointed.
The first visit of the President slated for December 13, was cancelled after immense preparation to receive him by Governor Mohammed Abubakar.
The Presidency was said to have cancelled the first visit which was on the invitation of the Nigeria Airforce for the president due to his visit to Gambia to mediate in the political impasse in that country.
President Buhari plan to visit Bauchi was to commission the newly established Nigeria Airforce Base in Bauchi and the 60-bed airforce hospital, Bauchi.
The state government had put in adequate preparation to host the president who was to use the opportunity to commission the Fadama Mada road and Tirwun Housing Estate projects.
The President in the recorded phone call, which was played to Governor Mohammed Abubakar, and some top officials of government, the All Progressives Congress, and the media, expressed his appreciation to the people of Bauchi State for their loyalty and support for him.
He expressed optimism that he would reciprocate their love and sacrifice for and his administration by rescheduling another visit to Bauchi State soon.
