Amanze Chinonye
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has criticised President Tinubu’s administration over the proposed tax reform laws and the arraignment of his Commissioner for Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing charge.
The governor described the case as politically motivated and said his name was being dragged into the matter despite his constitutional immunity. He accused the Federal Government of neglecting Bauchi State while allegedly deploying federal institutions to intimidate opposition figures, Prime Business Africa reports.
Mohammed said the Federal Government had failed to execute key infrastructure projects in Bauchi, including roads and water supply, adding that the state government was largely responsible for funding security operations within its territory.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe stated that he had remained silent for an extended period but could no longer tolerate what he described as the persecution of non-APC politicians through the courts and anti-graft agencies. According to him, the ongoing tax reform process is deeply flawed and would further impoverish ordinary Nigerians and sub-national governments.
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The Bauchi governor alleged that the APC-led Federal Government was using the EFCC and the judiciary to pressure opposition politicians into defecting to the ruling party, insisting that he would not join the APC or allow himself to be criminalised for remaining in the opposition.
Mohammed also accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of masterminding the terrorism financing charge against his finance commissioner. He claimed that Wike was exerting undue influence over federal institutions and working to undermine him politically.
The governor further alleged that a former Bauchi State Accountant-General, whom he accused of misappropriation of public funds, is now cooperating with Wike and serving as a prosecution witness in the EFCC’s case.
While distancing President Tinubu from direct involvement in recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed said some APC figures were actively recruiting governors, noting that several defections occurred voluntarily.
On the terrorism allegation, the governor argued that the individual he was allegedly linked to, Bello Badejo, maintained close relationships within the APC, including ties to President Tinubu. He maintained that, regardless of the claims, he remains protected by constitutional immunity.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency, the EFCC and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had not issued official responses to the allegations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
