By:Monday Danladi , Bauchi
It has been declared that any attempt to indirectly harass, intimidate, or destabilise the Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, through proxies, selective investigations, political pressure, or abuse of federal institutions, amounts to an unconstitutional exercise of power and a manifest abuse of authority.
The declaration was made by members of the Bauchi State chapter of Christian Youths in Politics, while addressing Journalists political interference, abuse of Federal institutions and threats to peace in Bauchi State, calling for caution.
James Jondi, Chairman and Ishemu Taimako Ibrahim, Secretary, who jointly addressed the Journalists stated that, “We categorically and unequivocally reject any insinuation, whether overt or covert, that seeks to portray the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, as a terrorist financier, sponsor, or sympathiser of terrorism.”
According to the group,”Such allegations are false, malicious, reckless, and completely unsupported by facts or evidence. Governor Bala Mohammed has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to peace, security, and the fight against insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism, both as a former federal public officer and as the present Governor of Bauchi State.”
It declared that, “Any attempt to associate his person or administration with terrorism is defamatory, dangerous, and capable of undermining public trust and national security efforts. We therefore warn that the propagation of such false narratives will be firmly resisted and challenged through all lawful means.”
“We also consider it necessary to place on record that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s administration has recorded substantial and visible infrastructural development across Bauchi State,” It added.
The group however commended the Governor for creating an enabling environment for all, by appointing Christian Sons and daughters into key political positions, the first of its kind in the history of Bauchi state.
“We further remind the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that public records of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2010 and 2015 remain visible and subject to public scrutiny. Bauchi State does not fall within the ministerial, administrative, or political jurisdiction of the Honourable Minister of the FCT,” It stressed
According to the group, “While reiterating our continues support to the Bala Mohammed led administration, We call on all stakeholders to respect constitutional boundaries, desist from inflammatory conduct, and allow democratic processes and the rule of law to prevail in the overriding interest of peace, unity, and national stability.”
It stated that, “We, the undersigned “Christian Youths in Politics” Bauchi State Chapter, issue this press release in view of recent public statements, conduct, and political developments involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, as they relate to the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.”
The group stressed that, “Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has publicly stated 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 political party at the federal level.”
According to the group, “Of grave constitutional concern are allegations that federal anti-corruption agencies, notably the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are being influenced or deployed to harass the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance for political reasons, rather than pursuant to impartial, evidence-based investigations.”
“Of further concern is the reported practice of invoking, directly or indirectly, the name of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State in criminal processes, in clear disregard of the constitutional immunity conferred on the office of Governor under Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” It stressed.
The Christian Youths in Politics added that, “While it is undisputed that no public officer is above the law, it remains settled constitutional doctrine that law-enforcement agencies must not be weaponised or deployed as instruments of political coercion, vendetta, or intimidation.”
It concluded that,”Any such conduct undermines the rule of law, the right to fair hearing, the principle of separation of powers, and Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State enjoys full constitutional immunity under Section 308 of the Constitution.”
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