Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed allegations linking his administration to terrorism financing.
He described the move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as persecution and an attempt to criminalise him over his refusal to defect to the ruling party.
Speaking in Bauchi while receiving an award as Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria, the governor expressed concern that his name was mentioned in court processes despite the constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting governor.
The EFCC had on Wednesday arraigned the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three others before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering.
The defendants are facing multiple charges bordering on conspiracy and conversion of public funds, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Reacting, Mohammed insisted that the allegations were politically driven and aimed at intimidating him as a leading opposition figure.
“I was told I am being accused of terrorism as a governor — someone who is in the opposition. My commissioner has been detained and not released, yet I enjoy constitutional immunity,” he said.
The governor accused the EFCC and the Federal Government of using state institutions to pressure opposition politicians into defecting to the ruling party, adding that he would not succumb to such tactics.
“I have kept quiet for too long in the interest of peace and security, but I am not a coward. I will not join them. I refuse to join their party,” he declared.
Mohammed further alleged that the Federal Government had neglected its responsibilities to states while turning public institutions into tools against perceived opponents.
“In my state, they have not built one kilometre of road or provided water. Even security agencies are funded by the state. Yet they make these accusations,” he said.
He maintained that despite financial constraints, his administration had continued to deliver on governance, citing improvements in healthcare, basic education and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
According to him, Bauchi State has received several recognitions for development and good governance, making the allegations against his administration unfounded and contradictory.
The governor warned that he would resist what he described as political intimidation and the weaponisation of anti-graft institutions, insisting that he would not allow himself to be criminalised for political reasons.
Nevertheless, Mohammed said his government remained committed to cooperating with the Federal Government in the interest of national development, while upholding transparency and accountability in the conduct of public affairs.