By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
A group known as Bauchi Citizens Action for Change (BCAC), has declared that Bauchi State deserves justice, clarity and the restoration of its good name in the ongoing prosecution of some officials of the government.
The BCAC made the declaration while addressing Journalists on Saturday, stressing that “Only a transparent, lawful and accountable process can achieve this.”
Addressing the conference jointly, Mohammad Ladan Adamu, Chairman and John Akevi, Secretary, explained that the press briefing was convened out of a deep sense of concern, patriotism and civil responsibility over the unfortunate state of affairs in Bauchi State within the Nigerian Federation, particularly, the damaging allegations recently ascribed to the State in the media space.
The BCAC stated that, “We are compelled to speak today because Bauchi State has, in recent times, been portrayed nationally and internationally as a state allegedly governed by individuals involved in the funding of banditry.”
According to the group, “This narrative, arising from public statements attributed to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has caused grave reputational damage to our state and its people. Such an allegation, whether proven or not, has already inflicted immeasurable harm on the collective image, dignity and historical legacy of Bauchi State.”
According to it,”Bauchi State is not an ordinary state. It is a state founded on scholarship; reforms, and moral revival by revered 18th century scholars and reformers such as Malam Yakubun Bauchi, Malam Zaki, Malam Gwani Muktar, and many others whose legacies of learning, discipline and social order remain unmatched. Bauchi also proudly produced eminent Nigerians who stood at the forefront of the struggle of Nigeria’s independence and helped shape the unity & early post-independence trajectory.”
“Figures such as Malam Sa’adu Zungur and Nigeria’s First Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were products of this soil. Indeed historical records affirm that it was in Bauchi that the nucleus of pre- independence democratic politics in colonial Northern Nigeria was formed. Unfortunately, following the public pronouncement on alleged banditry funding involving the Bauchi State,” The group stressed.
It added that,”Government perceptions about our state have changed drastically. We are deeply troubled that friends, colleagues and associates from across the country now question us about how we “allowed” our state to be governed by such a caliber of people. Some have gone as far as drawing absurd and offensive conclusions, asking whether all citizens of Bauchi State are bandits?”
BCAC observed that, “This dangerous generalization, which treats banditry funding as a defining feature of our state governance supposedly prioritized over schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure- is not only false but deeply insulting to millions of peace-loving citizens.”
“As law-abiding, responsible, and proud citizens of Bauchi State, we cannot fold our arms and watch silently while the good name of our State built through decades of sacrifice by our parents and grandparents-18 dragged through the mud. It is painful, distressing and deeply unfortunate that such allegations have come to define current public discourse about Bauchi State,” It added.
It added that,”However, it is the same, important to state clearly that this matter must not be trivialized or politicized. We find it troubling that the Governor, in responding to these serious allegations, appears to have framed the issue as a political witch-hunt arising from his differences with President Tinubu and Nelson Wike, Minister of FCT.”
“While political disagreements are not unusual in a democracy, allegations bordering on terrorism financing are far too grave to be dismissed as mere political persecution,” It stresseed.
According to the group, “Such claims demand sober reflection, transparency and cooperation with investigative authorities, not political rhetoric. We fully acknowledge that the Governor, like every Nigerian citizen, has a constitutional right to belong to any political party of his choice, just as the President and others do. However, this right does not exempt any individual or government from accountability.”
It added that,”The allegation that the Bauchi State Government transferred funds to the accounts of Bello Badejo- who is currently under investigation for alleged terrorist and banditry-related activities- raises serious delegitimate questions that must be answered.”
It enthused,”Why were public funds sent to Bello Badejo? Why were such transfers made not only in Naira but also in United State Dollars? Did Bello Badejo execute any legitimate contract for the Bauchi State Government? If so, what was the nature of such contracts? When were they awarded, the location of the projects, and what services were rendered?”
It opined that,”These are not political questions; they are questions of public accountability and transparency. The government owes the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians at large clear and verifiable answers. In moments such as this, it is only responsible citizens who rise above personal interests to support lawful investigation, aimed at uncovering the truth.”
“In this regard, the former Secretary to the Government of Bauchi State, Barrister Ibrahim Mohd Kashim, deserves commendation rather than condemnation. By offering testimony to investigating authorities, he demonstrated courage, integrity, and an admirable commitment to the public interest over personal conformity or judicial loyalty. It is also important to set the record straight,” it added.
The group claimed that, “The former Secretary to the Government of Bauchi State was not sacked; he resigned voluntarily. This fact is well documented. Following his resignation, which the Governor graciously accepted, the government issued an official statement through the Governor’s spokesperson, Muktar Gidado, commending Barrister Ibrahim Moh’d Kashim for his service to the State and wishing him success in his future endeavours.”
The BCAC stressed that, “It is therefore disingenuous for anyone now to portray him as a disgruntled former official acting out of spite. We therefore call on the Governor and his allies to desist from politicizing this sensitive issue and to allow the EFCC and the Courts to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without
interference, intimidation or distraction.”
The Group stressed that, “There should be no fear of Judicial processes, especially when the Governor himself has been a major beneficiary of judicial pronouncements, having emerged victorious through court decisions in the 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial elections respectively.”
According to the group, “Bello Badejo is currently under arrest and under investigation for alleged banditry,” just as the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance Yakubu Adamu has been drawn into the investigation. These matters are now before the law, and the courts must be allowed to determine the truth.”
It concluded that,”The rule of law must prevail over sentiments, after all the two are only being accused and only the court determines who is guilty. Our position is simple and firm.”
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