By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
A group known as Bauchi Citizens Action for Change (BCAC) has cautioned Governor Bala Mohammed against politicizing the allegations of sponsoring terrorism and banditry
The Chairman of the group, Mohammad Ladan Adamu who stated this via press statement he signed, stated that the group was compelled to speak up because Bauchi State has in recent times, been portrayed nationally and internationally as a state allegedly governed by individuals involved in the funding of banditry.
According to him, the narrative, arising from public statements attributed to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has caused grave reputational damage to our state and its people, adding that an allegation, whether proven or not, has already inflicted immeasurable harm on the collective image, dignity and historical legacy of Bauchi State.
“Bauchi State is not an ordinary state. It is a state founded on scholarship; reforms, and moral revival by revered 18th century scholars and reformers such as Malam Yakubun Bauchi, Malam Zaki, Malam Gwani Muktar, and many others whose legacies of learning, discipline and social order remain unmatched. Bauchi also proudly produced eminent Nigerians who stood at the forefront of the struggle of Nigeria’s independence and helped shape the unity & early post-independence trajectory”.
“Figures such as Malam Sa’adu Zungur and Nigeria’s First Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were products of this soil. Indeed historical records affirm that it was in Bauchi that the nucleus of pre- independence democratic politics in colonial Northern Nigeria was formed. Unfortunately, following the public pronouncement on alleged banditry funding involving the Bauchi State”.
‘Government perceptions about our state have changed drastically. We are deeply troubled that friends, colleagues and associates from across the country now question us about how we “allowed” our state to be governed by such a caliber of people. Some have gone as far as drawing absurd and offensive conclusions, asking whether all citizens of Bauchi State are bandits?’.
‘This dangerous generalization, which treats banditry funding as a defining feature of our state governance supposedly prioritized over schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure- is not only false but deeply insulting to millions of peace-loving citizens”.
“As law-abiding, responsible, and proud citizens of Bauchi State, we cannot fold our arms and watch silently while the good name of our State built through decades of sacrifice by our parents and grandparents-18 dragged through the mud. It is painful, distressing and deeply unfortunate that such allegations have come to define current public discourse about Bauchi State”.
“However, it is the same. important to state clearly that this matter must not be trivialized or politicized. We find it troubling that the Governor, in responding to these serious allegations, appears to have framed the issue as a political witch-hunt arising from his differences with President Tinubu and Nelson Wike, Minister of FCT. While political disagreements are not unusual in a democracy, allegations bordering on terrorism financing are far too grave to be dismissed as mere political persecution”.
“Such claims demand sober reflection, transparency and cooperation with investigative authorities, not political rhetoric. We fully acknowledge that the Governor, like every Nigerian citizen, has a constitutional right to belong to any political party of his choice, just as the President and others do. However, this right does not exempt any individual or government from accountability’.
“The allegation that the Bauchi State Government transferred funds to the accounts of Bello Badejo- who is currently under investigation for alleged terrorist and banditry-related activities- raises serious delegitimate questions that must be answered. Why were public funds sent to Bello Badejo? Why were such transfers made not only in Naira but also in United State Dollars? Did Bello Badejo execute any legitimate contract for the Bauchi State Government? If so, what was the nature of such contracts? When were they awarded, the location of the projects, and what services were rendered?”.
“These are not political questions; they are questions of public accountability and transparency. The government owes the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians at large clear and verifiable answers. In moments such as this, it is only responsible citizens who rise above personal interests to support lawful investigation, aimed at uncovering the truth” The group stated.
