Bauchi State Governor Sen. Bala Mohammed has firmly rejected allegations linking him to terrorism, describing the claims as “shocking and absurd.” Speaking at the Government House in Bauchi while receiving an Award of Excellence as a Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria, the governor said he had no involvement in any terrorist activity and would never condone criminality.
“I was shocked to hear that I have been accused of terrorism as a sitting governor. I am not a terrorist, I have nothing to do with terrorism, and I will never condone criminality of any kind,” Bala Mohammed told officials, members of the institute and invited guests.
The governor framed the allegation as particularly ironic given his record of promoting peace, security and community development across Bauchi State. He described the Safety Ambassador award as recognition of collective efforts rather than a personal accolade.
Bala Mohammed terrorism allegation and his response
In a direct response to the controversy, Bala Mohammed reiterated that his administration has prioritised inclusive governance and cooperation across party lines. “I have been an ambassador of safety without even knowing it until today. This award belongs to the people of Bauchi State. Together, we worked for peace and security, and together we earned this recognition,” he said.
The governor also voiced concern about what he described as politically motivated actions against his administration. He raised the case of his Commissioner for Finance, currently held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and said the treatment amounted to part of a broader pattern of political persecution.
“Despite my constitutional immunity as a governor, my name was mentioned in a motion before a court of law, while my commissioner remains incarcerated. These are troubling developments in a democratic society,” Bala Mohammed said, calling for due process and fairness.
He warned that political differences should not be criminalised and said the shrinking space for tolerance in the national political environment is worrying. “Politics has become something else in this country. You don’t have to denigrate people or label them criminals simply because they belong to the opposition or refuse to join the ruling party,” he said.
While defending his silence during the controversy as a measure taken in the interest of peace and stability, the governor added a firm caveat. “I have kept quiet for the sake of peace and security and for the common people, but I am not a coward,” he said.
On policy matters, Bala Mohammed criticised the Federal Government’s fiscal measures, particularly the implementation of a new tax law which he warned would further impoverish Nigerians and weaken state governments’ finances. He urged national policymakers to consider the impact on states and vulnerable citizens.
As he accepted the award, Dr Haruna Malgwi, a life member of the Safety Institute of Nigeria, said the accolade followed a thorough assessment of the governor’s safety policies and interventions. “This institute does not give awards lightly. His Excellency met all the criteria and deserved to be honoured as a Safety Ambassador,” Malgwi said.
Bala Mohammed concluded by reaffirming Bauchi’s record as one of the more peaceful states in northern Nigeria, attributing that stability to inclusive governance and cooperation among parties. He urged political actors to preserve tolerance and uphold democratic norms for the benefit of citizens.
Key Takeaways:
- Bala Mohammed rejects claims linking him to terrorism and insists he has always promoted peace and security.
- The governor received a Safety Ambassador award for state safety policies and community development.
- He raised concerns about his detained finance commissioner and criticised federal fiscal policy.
- The article highlights calls for political tolerance and warns against criminalising opposition.
