A civil society organisation, Christian Youth in Politics (CYP), Bauchi State chapter, has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to refrain from involvement in the political affairs of Bauchi State.
The group issued the warning on Wednesday during a press conference at the Police Officers’ Mess in Bauchi, alleging that the FCT minister’s actions amounted to political interference capable of undermining peace and stability in the state.
Addressing journalists, the group’s secretary, Comrade Ishemu Taimako Ibrahim, who spoke alongside the chairman, Comrade James Jondi, accused Wike of abusing federal institutions and engaging in conduct that raises constitutional and democratic concerns, particularly in his dealings with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
According to the group, Governor Mohammed has previously complained of political intimidation and witch-hunting for exercising his constitutional right to freedom of political association, especially his decision not to defect to the ruling party at the federal level.
CYP expressed concern over claims that federal anti-corruption agencies, notably the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, were being influenced to harass the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance for political reasons rather than through objective and evidence-based investigations.
The group also criticised what it described as the practice of dragging the name of the Bauchi State governor into criminal investigations, arguing that such actions disregard the constitutional immunity granted to governors under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
While maintaining that no public office holder is above the law, the group insisted that law enforcement agencies must not be used as instruments of political pressure, intimidation or vendetta.
It warned that such practices undermine the rule of law, the right to fair hearing, the separation of powers and the foundations of constitutional democracy.
CYP reaffirmed that Governor Bala Mohammed enjoys full constitutional immunity, cautioning that any attempt to destabilise or intimidate him through proxies, selective investigations or political pressure would amount to an abuse of power.
The group also rejected allegations linking the governor to terrorism, describing such claims as unfounded, malicious and dangerous.
It noted that Governor Mohammed has consistently demonstrated commitment to peace and security, both in his previous roles at the federal level and as governor of Bauchi State, particularly in efforts to combat insurgency, banditry and violent extremism.
According to the group, attempts to associate the governor with terrorism could damage public trust and undermine national security efforts.
CYP said it would resist the spread of such narratives through lawful means, while pointing to what it described as visible infrastructural development and improved security under the current administration.
The group added that Bauchi State has remained one of the more peaceful states in the North-East, attributing this to inclusive governance, religious tolerance, ethnic harmony and effective conflict-management policies.
As an example, it cited the creation and actualisation of the Zaar Chiefdom for the predominantly Christian Zaar communities of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro local government areas.
The group further warned that any attempt by individuals or authorities, including the FCT minister, to undermine peace or provoke unrest in Bauchi State would be firmly opposed within the confines of the law.
It also commended Governor Mohammed for what it described as inclusive governance, noting that his administration has appointed Christians into key political positions, a move the group said was unprecedented in the state’s history.
