Association Condemns Alleged Intimidation Of Bauchi Governor

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bauchi State Chapter, has expressed deep concern over what it described as the continued intimidation, investigation, and arbitrary arrest of government officials serving under the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, allegedly under the guise of fighting corruption.

Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi yesterday, the ALGON Chairman in the state and Chairman of Bauchi Local Government Area, Hon. Mahmood Babamaji Abubakar, condemned the recent arrest and investigation of some Bauchi State government officials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He also decried attempts to link Governor Bala Mohammed and his administration to terrorism, describing such claims as defamatory, dangerous, and capable of undermining public trust as well as national security efforts.

Hon. Mahmood stated that Governor Bala Mohammed, as a committed democrat, has consistently respected the sanctity of the Federal Government and its institutions, while collaborating with them to promote peace, stability, and development.

He noted that this cooperation has significantly contributed to making Bauchi State a gateway to the North-East and one of the most peaceful states, not only in the sub-region but also in Northern Nigeria as a whole.

“As chairmen of the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State, with firsthand knowledge of the security situation in our respective regions, we categorically debunk the alleged terrorism accusations levelled against our principal, Governor Bala Mohammed.

“His two-term administration has been characterised by inclusiveness, stakeholder engagement, and a strong commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

He further noted that the Governor’s leadership style reflects inclusivity across ethnic and religious lines, with people from all tribes and faiths in the state actively participating in governance and occupying key political positions. This approach departs positively from past practices.

ALGON also recalled Governor Bala Mohammed’s public statement that he is being subjected to political intimidation and witch-hunting for exercising his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of political association, particularly his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level.

According to the ALGON chairman, there are allegations that federal anti-corruption agencies, especially the EFCC, are being influenced and deployed to harass Bauchi State government officials for political reasons rather than for impartial, evidence-based investigations.

“What worries us most as grassroots leaders. Is the reported practice of invoking, directly or indirectly, the name of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State in criminal proceedings, in clear disregard of the constitutional immunity conferred on the office of the Governor under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

Hon. Mahmood further emphasised that Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to peace is evident in his support for community policing initiatives in partnership with conventional security agencies, which he said are yielding positive results across the state.

While reaffirming that no public officer is above the law, ALGON insisted that law enforcement agencies must not be coerced, weaponised, or used as tools for political vendettas, intimidation, or coercion.

The ALGON chairman highlighted the widespread support Governor Bala Mohammed enjoys across the state’s twenty local government areas, attributing it to the administration’s numerous developmental achievements and inclusive governance.

The local government chairmen unanimously reaffirmed their support and loyalty to the Bala Mohammed-led administration, describing it as a people-oriented and development-driven one.

They called on the Federal Government to desist from actions that could be perceived as harassment or intimidation of Bauchi State officials for political reasons, warning that such practices undermine the rule of law, the right to fair hearing, separation of powers, and Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

ALGON further reminded relevant agencies that the Governor of Bauchi State enjoys complete constitutional immunity under Section 308 of the Constitution and questioned why his name would be mentioned in court proceedings.

The association appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by ensuring that democratic values are not undermined by what it described as disgruntled politicians allegedly hiding under the guise of federal authority to foment political tension.

ALGON described such individuals as a liability to the nation and urged the President to disengage them in the interest of political stability and democratic consolidation.