By Sani Adamu Hassan
The Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly has come out strongly in defence of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Yakubu Adamu, PhD, describing allegations of terrorism sponsorship against them as false, malicious, and politically motivated.
The youth body stated this at a press conference in Bauchi, warning that the accusations pose a serious threat to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and political stability in the state.
Addressing journalists, the Assembly condemned what it described as the politicisation of anti-corruption institutions, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over the arrest and prosecution of the finance commissioner and other senior civil servants.
The group insisted that all financial activities of the Bauchi State Government were carried out in line with constitutional provisions, extant financial regulations, and duly approved government processes, stressing that no credible evidence has been presented linking the state government to terrorism financing.
The youth leaders faulted the repeated mention of Governor Bala Mohammed’s name in charge sheets, describing it as a clear violation of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants immunity to a sitting governor.
They maintained that attempts to circumvent constitutional safeguards through indirect prosecution are unlawful and unacceptable in a democratic society.
Reaffirming their support for the governor, the Assembly said Bauchi State has remained peaceful and stable under his leadership, recording measurable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
They called on the EFCC to immediately remove the governor’s name from all charge sheets and urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the matter in the interest of justice, fairness, and national stability, vowing that the people of Bauchi State will continue to defend democracy, truth, and the rule of law.
