I Am No Coward, I Will Not Defect to APC, Boasts Gov Bala
I Am No Coward, I Will Not Defect to APC, Boasts Gov Bala
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has hit back at accusations of terrorism financing directed at his government, characterizing the EFCC’s actions as a targeted smear campaign designed to punish him for staying with the opposition.
During an event in Bauchi on Wednesday, where he was honored as a Safety Ambassador by the Safety Institute of Nigeria, the governor voiced his frustration that his name appeared in court documents despite the legal immunity he holds as a sitting governor.
Earlier that day, the EFCC brought the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three associates—Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed—before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering and terrorism financing.
The group is facing a 10-count indictment involving the alleged conversion of state funds and conspiracy, which the prosecution claims violates several sections of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
In his response to these events, Mohammed insisted that the legal maneuvers against his administration are entirely fueled by political interests.
“I have been informed that I am being labeled a terrorist financier while serving as governor and a leader of the opposition. They have detained my commissioner and refuse to release him, completely disregarding the immunity I possess,” he remarked.
He further alleged that both the EFCC and the central government are using these tactics to bully him into joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor claimed that the federal authorities have neglected their duties to the states, choosing instead to use state agencies as weapons against political rivals.
“The federal government hasn’t constructed a single kilometer of road or provided water in my state. I am the one funding the security agencies to keep our people safe, yet they have the audacity to challenge us,” he stated.
Mohammed pledged that he would not be silenced, maintaining that Bauchi State has thrived in infrastructure and governance even with the challenges of a lean budget.
“We have overhauled our healthcare, improved primary schooling, and brought more children back into the classroom.
The federal government itself has recognized us three times for excellence in development. How can they now turn around and accuse us? It makes no sense,” he questioned.
The governor sent a stern warning that his administration would fight back against any attempts at political coercion or the misuse of federal power.
“If they choose conflict, we are ready; if they prefer cooperation, we will provide it. I will not stand by and let them brand me a criminal just because I refuse to join their party,” Mohammed asserted.
Despite the tension, he noted that he remains open to collaborating with the federal government for the country’s progress, emphasizing that his leadership remains dedicated to being open and responsible to the people.
