Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has alleged that some political actors are deliberately trying to destroy his reputation and integrity, linking him to terrorism financing and insecurity in his state
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Mohammed dismissed the claims, insisting that Bauchi remains one of the safest states in northern Nigeria.
He specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of attempting to associate him with banditry to destabilise his administration.
“And I’m a governor, serving governor, and my state is the most secure state in the northeast, if not in northern Nigeria. And we did this through knowledge, tact, and wisdom. Nothing of that sort has ever been associated with me,” Mohammed said.
The governor added that opposition leaders like him are often targeted with mudslinging and false accusations. He also claimed that attempts had been made to implicate some of his relatives in alleged corruption cases.
“Somebody said he’s going to put fire in my state—FCT Minister Wike. A rising politician, a leader of the opposition, to be accused of terrorism, it’s very painful. One of my nephews was mentioned in the corruption charge and there was nothing like that,” he said.
Mohammed said he has written to the Attorney General of the Federation and copied relevant agencies, adding that he would seek international protection, describing the situation as victimisation and a violation of his fundamental human rights.
He also accused Wike of working against him within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and described the minister as an “undertaker” in the party. Mohammed warned that political intolerance and impunity could have serious consequences for the country.
Reacting during a visit to Abua-Odual local government in Rivers State, Wike dismissed the allegations, calling them an attempt by Mohammed to shift blame for his own political challenges.
“I watched what the Bauchi governor is saying, that all the problems he’s having, that I’m the one because I said I will put fire in his state. So if I have such power, why are you fighting? If I have such power to put fire, why are you fighting?” Wike said.
Wike insisted that Mohammed’s issues stemmed from internal PDP disputes in Bauchi, not from him personally. He also distanced himself from claims that he influenced the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) actions against Mohammed’s associates, stating that law enforcement should not be politicised.
“So this is just to tell Nigerians, tell them to leave me alone; go and face your problems. I’m only fighting with you as party leadership. I’m not interested in what you spend,” Wike said.
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