The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a sharp response to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who accused him of orchestrating a witch-hunt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The political feud escalated after Governor Mohammed claimed Wike was behind terrorism financing charges against his Finance Commissioner.
Wike's Mocking Retort at Rivers Rally
Speaking at a rally in Rivers State on Thursday, Wike sarcastically addressed the allegations. He referenced a previous warning he gave to Governor Mohammed about causing unrest in his state. "I watched what Governor Bala said. That all the problems he is having, that I am the one behind it, because I said I will put fire in his state," Wike stated. He then posed a mocking question: "So, if you know I have such power, why are you fighting?"
Wike recounted how the Bauchi governor had previously interfered in Rivers politics. "Bala came to my state to impose party leaders. I told him to be careful or else, he’ll see crises," Wike said. He pointed to the current political turmoil in Bauchi as a consequence, noting, "Today, he doesn’t have a party to bring his successor, and this is what I warned them."
Deflecting Blame and a Challenge
The FCT Minister firmly denied any involvement with the EFCC's actions. "Now, EFCC is chasing him, and he’s saying it’s me. What’s my business?" Wike challenged the governor directly, saying, "If your state is clean, go there and clear yourself."
In a broader comment on his perceived influence, Wike humorously lamented being blamed for every problem. "Anybody that has stroke, it’s Wike. The ones with headache, it’s Wike. The ones in Sokoto, Wike. You’re in Taraba, Wike. You’re in Lagos, Wike, you’re in Bauchi, Wike," he listed. He concluded with a warning: "Leave this Wike. He’s too strong."
Bauchi Governor's Original Allegations
The controversy began when Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, made his accusations. He spoke on Wednesday shortly after signing the 2026 budget and receiving an award as a Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria.
Governor Mohammed connected his legal troubles to his refusal to join the ruling All Progressives Congress. He accused the APC-led Federal Government of using state institutions and the courts to persecute Nigerians who are not party members. "I was just waking up to an occasion where I was told that I was being accused of terrorism as a governor," he revealed.
He expressed frustration over the detention of his Finance Commissioner, Yakubu Adamu, by the EFCC on terrorism financing charges, despite his own constitutional immunity. "My Commissioner has been kept and would not be released by the EFCC, even when I have immunity as a Governor; my name was stupendously mentioned in a motion in a court of law in Nigeria," Mohammed stated.
The governor suggested that the award he received served as divine vindication. "Whatever anybody does to prosecute you, somehow God will do something to absolve you of blame, of persecutions," he said, dedicating the award to the people of Bauchi State.
This public spat highlights the intense political tensions and accusations of weaponizing anti-graft agencies ahead of future elections. It underscores the deep-seated rivalry within the opposition PDP and its fraught relationship with the federal government.
