By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
A group known as Christian Youth in Politics, Bauchi state chapter, has warned the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike to stay away from the politics of Bauchi State.
Addressing a press conference at the Police Officers Mess, Bauchi, Secretary of the group, Comrade Ishemu Taimako Ibrahim, faulted Wike’s political interference, abuse of federal institutions and threats to peace in Bauchi state.
Flanked by the Chairman of the group, Comrade James Jondi, the secretary said that the recent conduct of Chief Nyesom Wike against Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state calls for serious concern.
According to the group, Governor Bala Mohammed has been being subjected to political intimidation and witch-hunting for exercising his constitutionally right to freedom of political association, particularly his refusal to defect to the ruling political party at the federal level.
Taimako said that what is more worrisome are allegations from federal anti-corruption agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who are being influenced to harass the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance for political reasons, rather than pursuant to impartial, evidence-based investigations.
The group noted that the recent allegations of involving the person of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State in criminal activities, stressing that it is a clear disregard of the constitutional immunity conferred on the office of Governor under Section 308 of theConstitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The Secretary who asserted that although, no public officer is above the law but constitutional doctrine demands that law enforcement agencies must not be weaponised or deployed as instruments of political coercion, vendetta, or intimidation.
“Any such conduct undermines the rule of law, the right to fair hearing, the principle of separation of powers, and Nigeria’s constitutional democracy”, the group maintained.
“Governor Mohammed is entitled to full constitutional immunity under Section 308 of the
Constitution and any attempt to indirectly harass, intimidate, or destabilise the Governor through proxies, selective investigations, political pressure, or abuse of federal institutions is tantamount to an unconstitutional exercise of power and a manifest abuse of authority”.
“We categorically and unequivocally reject any insinuation, whether overt or covert, that seeks to portray the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, as a terrorist financier, sponsor, or sympathiser of terrorism”,The group said.
They described the allegations as false, malicious, reckless, and completely unsupported by facts or evidence, adding that the governor has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to peace, security, and the fight against insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism, both as a former federal public officer and as the present Governor of Bauchi State.
They stated that associating the governor with terrorism is defamatory, dangerous, and capable of undermining public trust and national security efforts.
The group warned that the propagation of such false narratives will be firmly resisted and challenged through all lawful means, noting that Governor Mohammed’s administration has recorded substantial and visible infrastructural development across Bauchi State.
Comrade Taimako said throughout the tenure of Bala Mohammed, Bauchi state is been adjudged as one of the most peaceful in the North-East and Northern Nigeria, due to inclusive governance, religious tolerance, ethnic harmony, and deliberate conflict management policies.
They cited the creation and actualization of the long agitated Zaar chiefdom for the Zaar people who are predominantly christians in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro LGAs.
“Any attempt by any individual or authority, including the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to undermine these achievements, destabilise Bauchi State, or foment crisis-whether directly or through inflammatory rhetoric-will be resisted through all lawful and constitutional means”, The group further warned.
Comrade Taimako disclosed that Governor Bala Mohammed has ensured even development and equal opportunities for all, appointing Christian Sons and daughters into key political positions, the first of its kind in the history of Bauchi state.