The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has expressed deep concern and outright dissatisfaction with recent public comments made by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, following the arraignment of his Commissioner of Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations bordering on terrorism financing to the tune of $9.7 million.
In a strongly worded position, the NSCI stated that the governor’s response to the matter was not only inappropriate but also deeply troubling, given the gravity of the allegations involved. According to the group, terrorism financing is among the most serious financial crimes globally, as it directly endangers national security, destabilizes societies, and undermines the collective safety of citizens.
The NSCI noted that rather than addressing the substance of the allegations and reassuring the public of his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Governor Mohammed chose to adopt a defensive posture, framing the matter as a politically motivated witch-hunt orchestrated by the federal government. The group described this approach as a calculated attempt to trivialize a grave national security issue and divert public attention from the serious questions being raised.
Governor Mohammed had reportedly expressed outrage over the EFCC action, insisting that he was being unfairly accused of terrorism-related offences and emphasizing that his name was mentioned in court filings despite his constitutional immunity as a sitting governor. While acknowledging that the Nigerian Constitution grants serving governors immunity from prosecution, the NSCI was emphatic that such immunity does not amount to innocence, nor does it confer permanent protection from accountability.
“Immunity is not impunity,” the NSCI stressed. “It is a temporary constitutional safeguard, not a moral clearance certificate. Any actions taken during a tenure remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution once that immunity lapses.”
The group further criticized the governor’s suggestion that the case was part of a broader conspiracy by the APC-led federal government to weaken opposition figures. According to the NSCI, such rhetoric is a familiar tactic used by public officials facing serious allegations, aimed at whipping up sympathy and polarizing public opinion along political lines.
“The allegations confronting the Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance are not about party politics,” the NSCI stated. “They are about fraud, financial misconduct, and terrorism financing—crimes that strike at the very heart of national integrity and security. No amount of political posturing can diminish their seriousness.”
The NSCI also took issue with Governor Mohammed’s attempt to shift focus to criticisms of the federal government’s performance, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security, and development. While acknowledging that governance challenges exist at all levels, the group insisted that such arguments are irrelevant to the matter at hand and should not be deployed as a shield against scrutiny.
According to the NSCI, the people of Bauchi State deserve responsible leadership that confronts allegations with honesty and openness, rather than reducing legitimate public concerns—such as road infrastructure, water supply, and security—to tools for political bargaining.
In addressing claims that the EFCC is being weaponized against opposition figures, the NSCI maintained that this narrative dangerously undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions. The group reiterated that the EFCC has a constitutional mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, especially those with national and international security implications.
“Terrorism financing is not a partisan issue,” the NSCI warned. “It is a direct threat to lives, communities, and the stability of the Nigerian state. Any attempt to frame such allegations as mere political rivalry is irresponsible and unacceptable.”
The group affirmed its confidence in the EFCC’s ongoing investigations and called on the commission to pursue the case diligently, professionally, and without fear or favor. It emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends largely on their ability to act independently and uphold the rule of law, regardless of whose interests are affected.
Reacting to Governor Mohammed’s portrayal of himself as a victim of political persecution, the NSCI urged the governor to reflect on the responsibilities of leadership in a democratic society. According to the group, legal processes exist to safeguard justice and accountability, not to serve as instruments of oppression or political warfare.
“The expectation of Nigerians is simple,” the NSCI stated. “Leaders must submit themselves to scrutiny, cooperate with lawful investigations, and prioritize the rule of law over personal or political interests.”
The NSCI emphasized that the allegations against the Commissioner of Finance are not mere media sensationalism or political talking points, but issues that raise serious questions about the integrity of public institutions and governance structures in the state.
As a body representing concerned stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, the NSCI reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible leadership, transparency, and accountability across all levels of government. It called on Governor Bala Mohammed to rise above political distractions and demonstrate true statesmanship by embracing openness and accountability.
“The era of political gamesmanship must give way to responsible governance,” the group concluded. “The people of Bauchi State and Nigerians at large deserve clear answers, not deflection.”
The NSCI also called on citizens, civil society organizations, and all relevant stakeholders to remain vigilant and actively engaged in the pursuit of justice. According to the group, building a stable and prosperous Nigeria requires collective insistence on integrity, accountability, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.