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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed allegations linking his administration to terrorism financing, describing the move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as political persecution aimed at forcing him to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor spoke on Wednesday in Bauchi while receiving an award as Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria. He expressed concern that his name was mentioned in court filings despite enjoying constitutional immunity as a sitting governor.
EFCC Arraignment
Arewa PUNCH reports that the EFCC on Wednesday arraigned the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, money laundering, and terrorism financing, contrary to Sections 2(1) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
‘Politically Motivated Allegations’
Reacting to the development, Governor Mohammed said the accusations were politically motivated and intended to intimidate him as an opposition figure.
“I was told that I am being accused of terrorism as a governor—someone who is the head of the opposition. My commissioner has been detained and will not be released by the EFCC, even when I have constitutional immunity,” he said.
He accused the federal government and the anti-graft agency of using state institutions to pressure him into joining the ruling party.
“This is a country where when you work, you become a villain. I have kept quiet for too long for the sake of peace and security. But I am not a coward. I will not join them. I refuse to join their party,” he declared.
Claims of Federal Neglect
The governor further alleged that the federal government had neglected its responsibilities to Bauchi State while turning institutions into tools against opposition leaders.
“In my state, they have not provided one kilometre of road. They have not provided water. Even the security agencies, I am the one paying them to work for us. And they still have the guts to talk,” Mohammed said.
Defence of His Administration
Mohammed insisted that his administration had continued to deliver good governance despite limited resources.
“We have strengthened our health system, improved primary education, and reduced the number of out-of-school children. We have been awarded three times by the federal government for development and good governance. And now they are accusing us. What kind of paradox is this?” he queried.
He warned that his government would resist what he described as political intimidation and the weaponisation of state institutions.
“If they want war, we will give them war. If they want peace, we will give them peace. I will not allow anyone to criminalise me because I am not in their party,” he said.
Commitment to National Development
Despite his criticism, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to working with the federal government in the interest of national development, stressing that his administration would continue to uphold transparency and accountability.
Pix: Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed
