Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is threatening peace and stability in Bauchi State, claiming that the minister has “put fire” in the state through political intimidation and smear campaigns.
The governor made the allegation on Thursday while speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, where he also refuted claims linking him to banditry or terrorism.
Mohammed said the allegations against him were part of a calculated plan to damage his reputation as a key opposition figure, stressing that Bauchi remains one of the most peaceful states in the North-East under his leadership.
“I am a sitting governor, and my state is among the most secure in the North-East, if not northern Nigeria. Yet, I am being associated with banditry for political reasons,” he said.
The governor alleged that influential political actors were behind the campaign against him, specifically naming Wike as a major player.
“Somebody said he is going to put fire in my state. That person is the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike. A rising opposition leader being accused of terrorism is very painful. He is behind my problems. My informant in the EFCC told me…” Mohammed stated.
He said the accusations were part of a wider effort to silence opposition voices, adding that “when you want to destroy a dog, you give it a bad name.”
Mohammed revealed that he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and copied relevant security agencies to seek protection and legal redress.
“I am prepared to escalate this matter to the international community. This is victimisation, and I am asking for protection of my fundamental human rights,” he said.
The governor further described Wike as a destabilising force within the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting that the FCT minister is not a genuine member of the opposition.
“He is an undertaker in our party. You cannot be in two places at the same time. It is against the rule of nature,” Mohammed said.
He also claimed that there had been pressure on him to defect to the All Progressives Congress, stating that his refusal had resulted in political harassment and intimidation.
Mohammed cautioned President Bola Tinubu to be wary of individuals around him who, according to him, were undermining democracy through the misuse of state institutions.
The governor had earlier accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against him and officials in his administration.
This followed charges recently filed by the EFCC against the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and others over alleged terrorism financing involving $9.7 million — allegations the governor has dismissed as politically motivated.
