Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s claim that he once vowed to “put fire” in Bauchi and is behind the troubles facing the governor.
Wike spoke on Thursday, January 1, in Abua-Odual while on a thank-you visit to local government areas, reacting to Mohammed’s allegation that he was linked to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) terrorism financing charge involving the Bauchi commissioner of finance.
According to Wike: “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. So, if you know I have such power, why are you fighting?
“Bala came to my state to impose party leaders. I told him to be careful or else, he’ll see crises.
“Today, he doesn’t have a party to bring his successor, and this is what I warned them. If you know you don’t have the strength to fight, why not go and rest.
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“Now, EFCC is chasing him, and he’s saying it’s me. What’s my business? If your state is clean, go there and clear yourself.
“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. Leave this Wike. He’s too strong.”
First Daily recalls that Governor Mohammed accused Wike, of threatening the peace and stability of Bauchi State, alleging that the minister has “put fire” in the state through political intimidation and smear campaigns.
The governor made the allegation on Thursday, January 1, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
He claimed the allegations were being driven by influential figures, and singled out Wike as central to what he described as a coordinated effort against him.
“Somebody said he is going to put fire in my state. That person is the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike. A rising opposition leader being accused of terrorism is very painful. He is behind my problems. My informant in the EFCC told me…” Mohammed stated.