Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to intimidate and pressure opposition politicians across Nigeria.
The governor made the allegation on Wednesday in Bauchi while speaking emotionally after receiving a Safety Ambassador Award from the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria. He claimed that the ruling party was misusing state institutions, including the courts and anti-corruption agencies, to target individuals who are not members of the party in power.
“The APC-led Federal Government think they can use the courts, an institution of government, and the EFCC to pursue and prosecute Nigerians who are not within their party. If they don’t stop, we are going to declare war,” he said.
Mohammed expressed surprise over attempts to associate him with terrorism, noting that he enjoys constitutional immunity as a sitting governor and plays a prominent role in the opposition.
“I am just waking up to an accusation that I am being accused of terrorism as a governor and as someone who is the head of the opposition. Even with my immunity, my name was mentioned in a motion in a court of law in Nigeria. God is wonderful,” he stated.
He also criticised the performance of the Federal Government, alleging that despite significant revenues, there had been little impact in terms of infrastructure development in Bauchi State.
The governor said he had remained silent for a long time to maintain peace and stability but warned that he would no longer tolerate intimidation or political persecution.
“I have kept quiet for too long for peace and security, because as politicians we should not overheat the polity. But I am not a coward.
“I kept quiet because of the common people. You don’t have to denounce or denigrate people before you can ascend to power,” he added.
Mohammed insisted that he would not be forced to defect to the ruling party, stressing that his decision to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party should not make him a target.
“I will not allow anyone to criminalise me because I am not in their party. I refused to join their party and I will not join their party,” he declared.
He further alleged that members of his family and officials in his administration were being arrested and detained by the EFCC without proof of wrongdoing, describing the situation as unacceptable in a democratic system.
“The APC-led Federal Government thinks it can use government agencies like the EFCC to prosecute and persecute Nigerians who are not within their party. If they don’t stop, we are going to declare war. That I can assure you, we are not going to keep quiet anymore,” he said.
Recently, the EFCC filed new criminal charges against the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and others over alleged terrorism financing involving about 9.7 million dollars.
Adamu was arraigned alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed. The defendants face ten counts bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and alleged terrorism financing.
The charges were said to contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. After hearing submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the case to January 2, 2025, for a ruling on the bail application and ordered that Adamu be remanded in EFCC custody.
