Wike has put fire in my state – Bala Mohammed cries out

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of threatening the peace and stability of Bauchi State, alleging 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 Channels T. elevision’s Sunrise Daily, where he also denied any link to banditry or terrorism in the country.
Mohammed described the accusations against him as a calculated attempt to destroy his integrity as a leading opposition figure, insisting that Bauchi remains one of the most secure states in the North-East under his administration.

“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 powerful forces were behind the campaign against him, specifically naming Wike as a key actor.

“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 such allegations were part of a strategy to silence opposition voices, adding that “when you want to destroy a dog, you give it a bad name.”
Mohammed disclosed that he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and copied relevant security agencies, seeking redress and protection.

“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 Bauchi governor also described Wike as a destabilising force within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the FCT minister was not a genuine member of the opposition party.
“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 further alleged that there was pressure on him to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that his refusal had attracted intimidation and harassment.
Mohammed warned President Bola Tinubu to be cautious of individuals around him who, he said, were undermining democracy through the misuse of state institutions.

Earlier, Mohammed accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to harass him and officials of his administration.
Recall the EFCC recently filed charges 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.