Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of attempting to tarnish his reputation and link him to terrorism and banditry.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Mohammed dismissed claims that he was involved in financing terrorism, insisting that Bauchi remains one of the safest states in northern Nigeria. He alleged that Wike and other political actors were behind efforts to destabilise his administration and discredit him.
“Somebody said he’s going to put fire in my state—FCT Minister Wike. A rising politician and opposition leader being accused of terrorism is very painful. Even my nephew was wrongly dragged into a corruption case,” Mohammed said.
He revealed that he has written to the Attorney General of the Federation and relevant agencies, and plans to escalate the matter to the international community, describing the situation as “victimisation” and a violation of his fundamental human rights.
Mohammed also described Wike as an “undertaker” in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming he is not a genuine member and works against opposition leaders. The governor warned that political intolerance and impunity could have serious consequences for the country.
Responding during a visit to Abua-Odual local government in Rivers State, Wike dismissed the allegations, saying Mohammed was blaming him for his own political struggles within the PDP in Bauchi.
“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. If I had such power, why would he be fighting?” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor also distanced himself from any alleged influence over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigations into Mohammed’s associates, insisting that law enforcement actions should not be politicised.
“This is to tell Nigerians to leave me alone and go face your own problems. I’m only challenging you as party leadership; I’m not interested in what you spend,” Wike added.
