Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has described the terrorism financing allegations linked to his administration as politically motivated, insisting he is being targeted for refusing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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 appeared in court processes despite enjoying constitutional immunity as a sitting governor.
His reaction followed the arraignment of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed — by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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 under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Mohammed said the allegations were an attempt to criminalise and intimidate him as a leading opposition figure.
“I was told I am being accused of terrorism as a governor and head of the opposition. My commissioner is being detained, and my name is being dragged into this despite my immunity,” he said.
He accused the EFCC and the Federal Government of using state institutions to pressure him into joining the ruling party.
“I have kept quiet for too long in the interest of peace. But I am not a coward. I will not join them. I refuse to defect to their party,” the governor declared.
Mohammed also criticised the Federal Government, alleging neglect of states while weaponising institutions against opposition governors.
“In Bauchi, they have not built one kilometre of road or provided water. Even security agencies are funded by the state. Yet they accuse us,” he said.
He maintained that his administration had continued to deliver good governance despite limited resources, citing improvements in healthcare, primary education, and a reduction in the number of out-of-school children.
“We have been recognised several times for good governance and development. Yet they are accusing us of terrorism. What kind of contradiction is this?” he asked.
The governor warned that his administration would resist what he described as political intimidation, saying he would not allow himself to be criminalised for belonging to the opposition.
“If they want peace, we will give them peace. If they want war, we will give them war. I will not allow anyone to criminalise me because I’m not in their party,” he said.
Despite his remarks, Mohammed reaffirmed his willingness to work with the Federal Government in the interest of national development, pledging that his administration would continue to uphold transparency and accountability.
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