Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reacted to allegations of terrorism financing linked to his administration, describing the move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as persecution and an attempt to criminalise him for refusing to defect to the ruling party.
Speaking on Wednesday in Bauchi while receiving an award as Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria, the governor expressed concern that despite his constitutional immunity, his name was mentioned in court filings relating to the alleged offences.
Arewa PUNCH recalls that the EFCC on Wednesday arraigned Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three others — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed — before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and terrorism financing, contrary to Sections 2(1) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Reacting to the development, Mohammed said the allegations were politically motivated.
“I was told I’m being accused of terrorism as a governor. Someone who is the head of the opposition. My commissioner has been kept and will not be released by the EFCC even when I have immunity as a governor,” he said.
He accused the EFCC and the federal government of attempting to intimidate him for refusing to defect to the ruling party.
“This is a country where when you work, you become a villain. I have kept quiet for too long for peace and security. But I am not a coward. I will not join them. I refuse to join their party,” he stated.
Mohammed alleged that the federal government had abandoned its responsibilities to states while weaponising institutions against opposition figures.
“In my state, they have not provided one kilometre of road. They have not provided water. Even security agencies, I am the one paying them to work for us. And they have the guts to talk,” he said.
The governor vowed not to remain silent, insisting that Bauchi State had continued to deliver good governance and infrastructure despite limited resources.
“We have built our health system, primary education, and reduced out-of-school children. We have been awarded three times by the federal government for development and good governance. And they are accusing us? What kind of paradox is this?” he queried.
Mohammed warned that his administration would resist what he described as the political intimidation and weaponisation of state institutions.
“If they want war, we will give them war. If they want peace, we will give them peace. I won’t allow anybody to criminalise me because I’m not in their party,” Mohammed declared.
However, he reaffirmed his commitment to working with the federal government for national development, adding that his administration would continue to prioritise transparency and accountability.
Pix: Bauchi Gov Bala Mohammed.
