Bala Mohammed accuses federal govt of weaponising EFCC against opposition leaders
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Federal Government of deploying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a tool to intimidate and harass opposition figures across the country.
The governor made the allegation on Wednesday in Bauchi while speaking emotionally after receiving a Safety Ambassador Award from the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON).
Mohammed alleged that the APC-led Federal Government was abusing key state institutions, including the judiciary and anti-graft agencies, to pursue Nigerians who do not belong to the ruling party.
According to him, the alleged misuse of the courts and the EFCC to prosecute opposition members was dangerous for democracy. He warned that continued actions of such nature could provoke serious resistance.
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“The APC-led Federal Government thinks it can use the courts, an institution of government, and the EFCC to pursue and prosecute Nigerians who are not within their party. If they don’t stop, we are going to declare war,” he said.
The governor expressed disbelief over what he described as attempts to associate him with terrorism, despite his constitutional immunity as a sitting governor and his role as a prominent opposition leader.
“I am just waking up to an accusation that I am being accused of terrorism as a governor and as someone who is the head of the opposition. Even with my immunity, my name was mentioned in a motion in a court of law in Nigeria. God is wonderful,” Mohammed stated.
He also criticised the Federal Government’s performance in Bauchi State, claiming that despite significant revenues accruing to the centre, there had been little to show in terms of infrastructure development.
“With all the revenue accruing to the Federal Government, they have not constructed a single kilometre of road or provided water. Even the security agencies, I am the one paying them to work for us, yet they have the guts to talk,” he said.
Governor Mohammed noted that he had remained silent for a long time in the interest of peace and stability but stressed that he would no longer tolerate what he described as intimidation and political persecution.
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“I have kept quiet for too long for peace and security, because as politicians we should not overheat the polity. But I am not a coward. I kept quiet because of the common people,” he said.
He further insisted that his refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not make him a target, declaring that he would not be forced into joining the ruling party.
“I will not allow anyone to criminalise me because I am not in their party. I refused to join their party and I will not join their party,” the governor declared.
Mohammed also alleged that members of his family and officials of his government were being arrested and detained by the EFCC without evidence, describing the situation as unacceptable and contrary to democratic principles.
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