POLITICS
Groups Defend Bauchi Governor and Finance Commissioner Over Terror Funding Allegations
Civil society groups under the Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly have condemned the arrest and prosecution of the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, describing the allegations of terrorism financing as baseless and politically motivated.
Speaking at a press briefing, the groups accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of abusing legal process and attempting to destabilise the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
They said all financial decisions followed constitutional and regulatory procedures and noted that no evidence had been presented to support the claims.
The groups warned against politicising anti-corruption agencies and called on the EFCC and the Attorney-General to review the case in line with the constitution.
This is what they wrote in the letter ⇓
PROTOCOL
Gentlemen of the Press, distinguished stakeholders, civil society actors, and fellow citizens of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.
We are gathered here today under the platform of the Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly to address a very grave and troubling development that poses a serious threat to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and political stability in Nigeria.
We unequivocally condemn the blatant abuse of legal process and the apparent politicisation of anti-corruption institutions, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in relation to the arrest, detention, and prosecution of Honourable Yakubu Adamu, PhD, the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development of Bauchi State, alongside senior civil servants of the state.
The baseless and malicious allegation of sponsoring terrorism being levelled against officials of the Bauchi State Government is nothing but a coordinated political attack, deliberately orchestrated to undermine the administration of His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, and destabilize Bauchi State.
Let us state clearly and unequivocally:
Hon. Yakubu Adamu, PhD, and the affected officials committed no offence whatsoever.
All actions taken by the Ministry of Finance and the Bauchi State Government were carried out strictly in line with constitutional provisions, extant financial regulations, and duly approved government processes.
It is important to remind all parties that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) grants immunity to a sitting governor from prosecution.
Any attempt, direct or indirect, to circumvent this constitutional protection is unlawful and will be resisted by all democratic means available.
The allegations against Hon. Yakubu Adamu, PhD, lack credible evidence.
The sudden and suspicious introduction of accusations relating to terrorism financing and money laundering is clearly an afterthought, calculated to intimidate, scandalise, and destroy reputations rather than to seek justice.
To date, no evidence of payment, receipt, or video documentation has been presented linking the Bauchi State Government to any terrorist activity.
Furthermore, the Miyetti Allah organisation has not been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian Federal Government.
Therefore, allegations relating to its leadership, including the case of Alhaji Bodejo, remain legally unfounded.
No terrorist organisation has been named, no terrorist act identified, and no credible evidence made public.
This is political persecution, plain and simple.
The EFCC Act of 2004 establishes the Commission as Nigeria’s premier anti-corruption agency, mandated to investigate and prosecute financial crimes with impartiality, professionalism, and independence.
The EFCC must not be reduced to a tool for political witch-hunts, blackmail, or intimidation.
The people of Bauchi State, alongside civil society organisations, stand firmly behind Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
We reject any attempt by external forces to sow discord, undermine governance, or destabilise our state.
No amount of intimidation will weaken the overwhelming support of the people for their Governor.
The credibility of the EFCC depends on its ability to act without fear or favour.
If perceived as an instrument of political manipulation, the agency risks losing public trust and failing in its core mandate.
The people of Bauchi State are watching closely and will not hesitate to speak out against any assault on the rule of law.
We strongly condemn the repeated and mischievous inclusion of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s name in charge sheets, which constitutes a deliberate attempt to unlawfully indict him, in clear violation of Section 308 of the Constitution.
Constitutional immunity is sacrosanct and must be respected.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has maintained peace, security, and stability in Bauchi State. Under his leadership, Bauchi has recorded measurable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
His commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability is well documented.
The Governor has never abused constitutional immunity, nor has he ever been convicted of any criminal offense.
On the contrary, his administration has consistently implemented reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and prudent management of public resources.
We therefore call on the EFCC to immediately remove the Governor’s name from all charge sheets and to comply strictly with constitutional safeguards and prosecutorial ethics.
The Commission must redirect its energy toward genuine, evidence-based cases of corruption.
We also urge the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to urgently review this matter in the interest of justice, fairness, and national stability.
Let it be known that the people of Bauchi State will not be misled by propaganda or intimidated by malicious allegations.
We remain resolute in defending the Constitution, democratic values, and the integrity of our elected leaders.
Finally, we reaffirm our unwavering support for His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, and our confidence in his leadership.
Bauchi State remains peaceful and united, and we shall continue to defend truth, justice, and democracy.
Thank you.
Signed:
Daure David,
For the Speaker, Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly
Ahmed Abdul,
Majority Leader Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly
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