By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
A group known as ‘Concerned Bauchi Citizens’ has expressed concern over selective justice in the State by Federal Government institutions especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is persecuting and prosecuting government officials.
The Group therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic values and the rule of law by intervening in the intimidation, harassment, and alleged deployment of national institutions to target elected officials in the state.
The Coordinator of the group, Comrade Adamu Dauda Yashi, stated this during a press conference held at the NUI Secretary in Bauchi on Monday.
He stated that Governor Bala Mohammed and officials of the Bauchi State Government in recent time have been facing sustained attacks despite the constitutional immunity enjoyed by sitting Governors.
He added that the organisation was compelled to address the media to defend the integrity of the governor and the reputation of Bauchi State.
Adamu Dauda Yashi expressed concern over what it termed as selective justice, pointing out that that individuals at the National Assembly and within the Federal Executive Council have faced public allegations related to insecurity and terrorism financing without visible action taken against them.
According to him, “We are here to clearly and unequivocally stand in solidarity with Governor Bala Mohammed and the people of Bauchi State. We must protect his integrity and defend the hard-earned reputation of our state.”
He stressed that, “Opposition politics must never be a justification for intimidation, harassment, or the use of national institutions to unfairly target elected leaders”.
The leader of the group added that, “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.”
He further stated that,”Through the commitment, leadership, and inclusive governance of Governor Bala Mohammed, Bauchi 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”.
According to him, “This reality raises important questions: why are some elements determined to blackmail the Governor and the Government of Bauchi State despite the prevailing peace in the state? Why is a peaceful state being portrayed otherwise? These actions risk undermining public confidence and threatening the stability we all desire”.
He stressed that, “There are individuals at the National Assembly and within the Federal Executive Council who have faced public accusations relating to insecurity and terrorism financing, yet no visible action has been taken against them.”
“This situation creates the impression of selective justice. Is it because they belong to the ruling APC? Justice must not be influenced by political affiliation,” he stated.
The Convener further stated that, “We strongly believe that security issues must never be politicized. Government agencies should not be used as tools to attack opposition leaders. Nigeria’s security challenges require unity, sincerity, and fairness, not political persecution”.
He also stated that, “We also recall the public statement made by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who said he would resign if former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State was not arrested.”
According to him, “Today, Nigerians are asking legitimate questions. Has he resigned? Has Yahaya Bello not been seen at public and government functions, including gatherings at the Villa, despite having been declared wanted at a point? These unanswered questions further deepen public concern about selective enforcement of the law”.
He further stated that, “There are many serious cases that anti-corruption agencies should pursue with diligence and transparency. Let us speak with evidence and facts, not political bias. The credibility of our institutions depends on fairness and consistency”.
Adamu Dauda Yashi added that, “At this point, we respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic values and the rule of law. Mr. President was once in the opposition when he was the 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”
“We also call on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene in this matter. Whatever affects Bauchi State will inevitably affect the North East, Northern Nigeria, and the nation at large. Bauchi is home to him, and peace in Bauchi contributes directly to national stability” The group concluded.
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