Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected claims by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the Federal Government is using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to target him.
Wike reacted after the EFCC arraigned Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, on Wednesday. The commission accused Adamu of terrorism financing involving about $9.7 million.
Following the arraignment, Mohammed accused the Federal Government of persecuting him and members of his cabinet for refusing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike Says Bala Blames Him for Political Problems
Speaking at a meeting with supporters in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike said the Bauchi governor had blamed him for the challenges facing his administration.
“I watched what Governor Bala said, that all the problems he’s having, that I’m the one behind it, because I said I’ll put fire in his state,” Wike said. He added that Mohammed should not have confronted him politically if he truly believed he wielded such influence.
“So, if you know I have such power, why are you fighting?” Wike asked.
Wike Accuses Bala of Meddling in Rivers Politics
Wike accused the Bauchi governor of trying to impose party leaders in Rivers State during his time as governor. “Bala came to my state to impose party leaders, and I told him to be careful or else he’ll see crises,” he said.
According to Wike, that warning later became reality, as Mohammed now struggles with succession issues in his party. “Today, he doesn’t have a party to bring his successor, and this is what I warned them,” he added.
Wike Denies Role in EFCC Investigation
Reacting to claims linking him to the EFCC case, Wike said he played no role in the investigation. “Now, EFCC is chasing him and he’s saying it’s me; what’s my business?” he asked. He advised the Bauchi governor to address the allegations directly if he had nothing to hide.
“If your state is clean, go there and clear yourself,” Wike said.
Wike Mocks Habit of Blaming Him
Wike also mocked what he described as a habit of blaming him for problems across the country. “Anybody that has stroke, it’s Wike; the ones with headache, it’s Wike; the ones in Sokoto, Wike; you’re in Taraba, Wike; you’re in Lagos, Wike; you’re in Bauchi, Wike,” he said.
Wike urged his critics to stop shifting blame and take responsibility for their political challenges.
“Leave this Wike; he’s too strong,” he said.
