Haruna Salisu, the publisher of WikkiTimes, a Bauchi-based media outlet, has criticized Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accusing him of nepotism and intolerance toward opposing views.
Salisu alleged that Governor Mohammed has consistently suppressed constructive criticism, claiming that individuals who challenge the administration are often silenced, arrested, or intimidated.
The publisher further accused the governor of practising nepotism by appointing family members to key positions within the state.
He pointed to the appointments of Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed and Adamu Duguri as heads of the Bauchi Primary Health Care Agency and the State Universal Basic Education Board, respectively.
Both appointees, Salisu noted, are blood relatives of the governor.
“Strategic ministries and agencies are controlled by your relatives and close associates,” Salisu alleged.
“For instance, your blood relative heads the PHC, a position overseeing billions of naira in developmental funding. This raises concerns about siphoning public funds.”
Salisu also accused the governor of disregarding due process and displaying unparalleled nepotism compared to other Northern governors.
He stated that individuals who criticize the administration are labelled as enemies, with some facing imprisonment.
He cited incidents during the 2023 general elections when youths were allegedly jailed for expressing dissenting opinions on social media.
Additionally, Salisu accused the governor of orchestrating the arrest of WikkiTimes staff members for exposing administrative misconduct.
In his critique, Salisu also questioned the transparency of the governor’s recent trip to China, where an agreement was signed with Chinese companies on mining activities in Bauchi State.
He challenged the governor to explain how the agreement would benefit ordinary citizens, citing a lack of clarity in the 2025 state budget regarding revenue from these mining ventures.
“How will this MOU benefit the people of Bauchi? Why is the anticipated revenue from these agreements missing from the 2025 budget? This lack of accountability raises red flags,” Salisu said.
He also referenced the arrest of Islamic scholar Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi, who has been vocal in criticizing the administration.
Salisu described the action as another example of Governor Mohammed’s intolerance toward dissenting opinions.
The governor has yet to respond to these allegations