I’M NOT A COWARD, I WON’T JOIN APC — GOV BALA LINKS TERRORISM FINANCING CLAIMS TO POLITICAL PERSECUTION
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has responded to allegations of terrorism financing linked to his administration, accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of persecution and an attempt to criminalise him over his refusal to defect to the ruling party.
The governor spoke on Wednesday in Bauchi while receiving an award as Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria, where he raised concerns that his name was mentioned in court documents despite enjoying constitutional immunity.
According to reports, the EFCC on Wednesday arraigned the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, along with three others — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed — before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds and terrorism financing, allegedly in violation of Sections 2(1) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Reacting to the arraignment, Mohammed described the allegations as politically driven.
“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 further accused the EFCC and the federal government of seeking to intimidate him because of his refusal to join 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.
The governor also alleged that the federal government had failed in its obligations to states while using institutions to target 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.
Mohammed said he would no longer remain silent, insisting that his administration had continued to deliver governance and infrastructure despite financial constraints.
“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 asked.
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 won’t allow anybody to criminalise me because I’m not in their party,” Mohammed declared.
Nevertheless, the governor reiterated his willingness to work with the federal government in the interest of national development, adding that his administration would continue to uphold transparency and accountability.
Photo: Bauchi Gov Bala Mohammed.
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