Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has described allegations linking his administration to terrorism financing as politically motivated.
He accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of attempting to intimidate him for refusing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The governor spoke on Wednesday in Bauchi while receiving an award as Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria, expressing concern that his name was mentioned in court processes despite enjoying constitutional immunity.
AFRIPOST reports that the EFCC had on Wednesday arraigned the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three others before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds and terrorism financing, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Reacting to the development, Mohammed dismissed the allegations as persecution.
“I was told I’m being accused of terrorism as a governor. Someone who is the head of the opposition. My commissioner has been kept and will not be released by the EFCC even when I have immunity as a governor,” he said.
He accused the anti-graft agency and the Federal Government of using state institutions to pressure opposition figures.
“This is a country where when you work, you become a villain. I have kept quiet for too long for peace and security. But I am not a coward. I will not join them. I refuse to join their party,” he stated.
The governor further alleged that the Federal Government had neglected its responsibilities to Bauchi State while turning institutions against opposition-led states.
“In my state, they have not provided one kilometre of road. They have not provided water. Even security agencies, I am the one paying them to work for us. And they have the guts to talk,” he said.
Mohammed insisted that his administration had continued to deliver good governance despite limited resources.
“We have built our health system, primary education, and reduced out-of-school children. We have been awarded three times by the federal government for development and good governance. And they are accusing us? What kind of paradox is this?” he queried.
He warned that his government would resist political intimidation.
“If they want war, we will give them war. If they want peace, we will give them peace. I won’t allow anybody to criminalise me because I’m not in their party,” Mohammed declared, while reaffirming his readiness to work with the Federal Government in the interest of national development.