Bala Mohammed warns against politicisation of EFCC, says democracy thrives on rule of law

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish where opposition is respected, dissent tolerated and the rule of law upheld without fear or favour.

The governor made the remarks in a statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, his media and publicity adviser, amid concerns over recent actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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According to the statement, the Bauchi State Government views with “deep concern” the arrest, detention and prosecution of the commissioner for finance and economic development, alongside senior civil servants, as well as what it described as attempts to link the governor to alleged criminal activities through “insinuations” on the charge sheet.

The state government said the affected officials committed no offence beyond the lawful discharge of their constitutional and statutory duties, insisting that all actions taken were in line with established financial regulations and approvals. It warned that criminalising routine governance functions could undermine public administration across the federation.

It also expressed concern over what it described as the late introduction of allegations relating to terrorism financing and money laundering, which it said were absent at the point of arrest and only emerged after judicial scrutiny raised questions about due process.

“No terrorist organisation has been identified, no terrorist act has been linked, and no credible evidence has been disclosed to justify such grave accusations,” the statement said, adding that the timing of the allegations raised fears of intimidation and reputational damage rather than a pursuit of justice.

The Bauchi State Government further rejected claims that the state’s accountant-general was “at large,” stating that he honoured the EFCC’s invitation, was detained, and later released on bail after meeting all conditions.

It described the claim as reckless and capable of undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Defending the governor’s record, the statement said Bala Mohammed’s public service career was “unimpeachable,” noting that he rose through the civil service, served as a senator and minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and has twice been elected governor. It added that he has never abused constitutional immunity nor been convicted of any criminal offence.

The government also raised concerns over what it described as a growing atmosphere of fear and tension surrounding the matter, warning that any action threatening the safety of the governor, his aides or their families was unacceptable.

While reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption, the state government said anti-corruption efforts must be impartial, evidence-based and anchored in due process. It cautioned that selective justice and the politicisation of law enforcement weaken democracy.

“This is a season of political contestation, but political differences must never be resolved through intimidation or the misuse of state institutions,” the statement said.

The Bauchi State Government called on federal authorities, particularly the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, to review the EFCC’s conduct and ensure compliance with constitutional safeguards and prosecutorial ethics. It also demanded that the governor’s name be removed from the charge sheet in line with constitutional immunity.

It assured residents of Bauchi State and Nigerians that it would continue to defend the constitution, protect democratic norms and resist any attempt to undermine the will and dignity of the people.