A civil society group, Concerned Bauchi Citizens, has cautioned that opposition politics must never be used as a justification for intimidation, harassment or the alleged deployment of national institutions to unfairly target elected leaders.
The group expressed its concerns during a press briefing held on Monday in Bauchi.
Recalled that THR news reports how the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three other state government officials, is currently facing trial over allegations of terrorism financing by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Speaking at the event, the coordinator of the group, Adamu Yashi, said it was worrisome that Governor Bala Mohammed, members of his family and officials of the Bauchi State Government had come under what he described as sustained attacks simply because the governor belongs to the opposition.
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Yashi noted that the development was happening despite the constitutional immunity granted to sitting governors under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reacting to the situation, Yashi said democracy demands tolerance, fairness and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“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. 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,” he said.
According to him, the prevailing peace in the state raises questions about what he described as attempts by some elements to blackmail the governor and portray Bauchi as insecure.
“Why is a peaceful state being portrayed otherwise? These actions risk undermining public confidence and threatening the stability we all desire,” Yashi added.
The group also alleged selective justice, noting that some individuals in the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council had faced public accusations related to insecurity and terrorism financing without any visible action taken against them.
“Is it because they belong to the ruling APC? Justice must not be influenced by political affiliation,” he said.
Yashi stressed that security issues must never be politicised, warning that government agencies should not be used as tools to attack opposition leaders.
He further referenced a previous public statement by the Chairman of the EFCC, who reportedly said he would resign if former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was not arrested.
“Today, Nigerians are asking legitimate questions. Has he resigned? Has Yahaya Bello not been seen at public and government functions despite having been declared wanted at a point?” Yashi asked.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to uphold democratic values and the rule of law, reminding him of his time in opposition as Governor of Lagos State.
He appealed to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene, noting that peace in Bauchi was critical to stability in the North-East and the country at large.
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with Governor Bala Mohammed and the people of Bauchi State, insisting that Nigeria must not slide into selective justice or political intimidation.
