Wike, Bauchi gov fight dirty over terrorism financing claims

Bala

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of the Federal Capital, Territory, Nyesom Wike, were on Thursday locked in a war of words over allegations of terrorism financing levelled against the Bauchi governor.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Mohammed alleged a political witch-hunt by President Bola Tinubu, adding that Wike was behind the terrorism financing charges filed against Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, in which his (Mohammed’s) name featured.

The EFCC had on Wednesday arraigned Adamu and three others for alleged terrorism financing to the tune of $9.7 million, with Governor Mohammed’s name appearing in the charges.

Speaking on Thursday, Mohammed linked the charges to an earlier threat by Wike to “put fire” in Bauchi State, alleging he was using federal agencies and political structures to undermine his administration.

Mohammed described the terrorism financing allegation as unreasonable, saying Wike was behind the case.

He said, “There are people behind it, and I know, and I’m going to mention them today. 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, nothing.

“ I have written to the Attorney General of the Federation. I’ve copied all the agencies, and I’m going to escalate it to the international community, asking for protection because this is victimisation, protection of my fundamental human rights.”

Mohammed also accused people around President Tinubu of working against him. “Some want me to join the All Progressives Congress, some don’t want, like Wike. Wike is a big drag on the administration, and the President should know. I have nothing against him.”

Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Governors’ Forum, accused Wike of working to kill the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.