A group, Concerned Bauchi Citizens has reaffirmed its solidarity with Governor Bala Mohammed and the people of Bauchi State, stressing its commitment to justice, equity, democracy, and national unity.
The group warned that Nigeria must not descend into selective justice or political intimidation under any guise.
Addressing a press conference on Monday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Bauchi the group's coordinator, Comrade Adamu Dauda Yashi, described the recent allegations leveled against Governor Bala Mohammed as unjustified and politically motivated.
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He said the group was unequivocally standing with the governor to protect his integrity and defend the hard-earned reputation of Bauchi State.
According to the group, opposition politics must never be used as a justification for intimidation, harassment, or the deployment of national institutions to unfairly target elected leaders.
"It is deeply concerning that simply because Governor Bala Mohammed belongs to the opposition, he, members of his family, and officials of the Bauchi State Government have come under sustained attacks, despite the constitutional immunity guaranteed to sitting governors under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Yashi said.
He added that democracy demands tolerance, fairness, and strict respect for the rule of law.
The group further stated that Bauchi State remained one of the safest states in Nigeria, attributing the prevailing peace to the governor's leadership and inclusive governance.
"Let me state this without fear of contradiction. Bauchi State is one of the safest states to live in Nigeria today, if not the safest. Under Governor Bala Mohammed, the state has recorded very few cases of terrorism and serious insecurity compared to many other parts of the country. This is a fact acknowledged by residents and visitors alike," he said.
The group questioned what it described as deliberate attempts to portray Bauchi as insecure despite the prevailing peace.
"This reality raises important questions. Why are some elements determined to blackmail the governor and the Bauchi State Government despite the peace in the state? Why is a peaceful state being portrayed otherwise? Such actions risk undermining public confidence and threatening stability," the group noted.
Concerned Bauchi Citizens also alleged that there were public office holders at the National Assembly and within the Federal Executive Council who had faced accusations related to insecurity and terrorism financing without visible action taken against them.
"This creates a strong impression of selective justice. Is it because they belong to the ruling APC? Justice must never be influenced by political affiliation," the group said.
They emphasised that security issues must never be politicised, adding that government agencies should not be used as tools to attack opposition leaders.
"Nigeria's security challenges require unity, sincerity, and fairness, not political persecution," Yashi added.
The group also referenced a past statement credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who reportedly said he would resign if former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was not arrested.
"Today, Nigerians are asking legitimate questions. Has he resigned? Has Yahaya Bello not been seen at public and government functions, including events at the Presidential Villa, despite being declared wanted at a point? These unanswered questions deepen public concern about selective enforcement of the law," the group stated.
They called on anti-corruption agencies to pursue all cases with diligence, transparency, and fairness.
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"Let us speak with facts and evidence, not political bias. The credibility of our institutions depends on fairness and consistency," they said.
The group also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic values and the rule of law.
"Mr. President was once in the opposition as Governor of Lagos State, and similar actions were not taken against him. We urge him to remember that history and ensure justice and fairness for all political actors in Nigeria," the group said.
Comrade Yashi further called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene, noting that Bauchi's peace has broader implications for the North East and the nation.
"Whatever affects Bauchi State will inevitably affect the North East, Northern Nigeria, and Nigeria as a whole. Bauchi is home to him, and peace in Bauchi contributes directly to national stability," he said.
