By Atoyebi Nike
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other state institutions to harass and intimidate opposition figures across the country.
The governor made the allegation on Wednesday in Bauchi while reacting emotionally after receiving a Safety Ambassador Award from the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria.
Mohammed alleged that the APC led Federal Government was abusing institutions such as the courts and anti-graft agencies to target Nigerians who are not members of the ruling party.
He warned that continued political persecution could destabilize the country, insisting that intimidation of opposition leaders must stop.
The governor also expressed shock over what he described as attempts to link him to terrorism, despite his constitutional immunity as a sitting governor and his role as a leading opposition figure.
Mohammed criticized the Federal Government’s performance in Bauchi State, alleging that despite increased revenues, no meaningful infrastructure projects such as roads or water supply had been delivered.
He said he had remained silent for a long time in the interest of peace but would no longer tolerate intimidation or political coercion.
The Bauchi governor vowed not to defect to the ruling party, insisting that his refusal to leave the Peoples Democratic Party should not make him a target.
He further alleged that members of his family and officials of his administration were being arrested and detained by the EFCC without evidence of wrongdoing, describing the situation as unacceptable in a democratic system.
