By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
A political group, Eyes on Democracy has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of an attempt to silence the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdukadir Muhammad Kauran Bauchi whom they said has been a critic of the government in power
The group also alleged that the Commission has become a political tool, used to silence dissenting voices against the government in power.
Rimawaglobalnews recall that EFCC had last week arrested Alh. Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, the serving Accountant General of Bauchi State over alleged mismanagement of N70 billion. Jaja was arrested in Abuja while attending a meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Addressing the press at NUJ secretariat Bauchi, the Leader of the Group, Munnir Aska, said that: “We believe that the recent detention of the Bauchi State AG, Alh Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, by the EFCC while he was attending the FAAC meeting in Abuja is politically motivated and orchestrated by political adversaries to silence Governor Bala Abdukadir Muhammad, for being the strongest voice of Nigeria’s masses amidst the bad governance of the All Progressive Congress under Tinubu.”
He added that the group strongly condemned the arrest, which it view as nothing but “a politically motivated witch hunt” designed to intimidate Governor Bala Muhammad and his administration.
He said that “This desperate move is clearly an attempt to silence a courageous leader who has consistently spoken truth to power, refusing to be cowed by the forces that seek to suppress democracy and good governance.”
The group believed that it is no coincidence that “these arrests and intimidation of Bauchi State Government officials are happening at a time when Bala Muhammad has remained vocal in challenging the excesses of the presidency and standing firm in defense of the interests of the Nigerian people.
“His bold stance has made him a target for persecution, and the EFCC is being weaponised as an instrument of political oppression rather than a true anti-corruption agency.”
It demanded immediate release of the arrested officers of the state and if found wanting should be prosecuted by a competent court of law.
Mainwhile one of the strongest opposition party in the state, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has called for a thorough investigation into the recent allegations of fraud to the tune of N70bn against the Accountant General of the State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja and other top officials.
The party expressed its deep concern regarding the recent arrest of Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, in connection with the alleged N70 billion fraud.
According to the PRP, “This troubling development underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the financial dealings of the Bauchi State Government and its officials.”
In a statement signed and issued by Wada Abdullahi, The State Secretary, the party stated that, “We stand firmly in solidarity with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its quest to uncover the truth behind this alleged misappropriation of public funds.”
According to the party, “Reports by Channels TV indicated, allegedly that cash withdrawals totaling N59 billion were made from state accounts and subsequently channeled to individuals with ties to party agents and associates of the governor. These revelations raise serious questions about the integrity and accountability of our government officials.”
The PRP called on the EFCC to conduct a meticulous and impartial investigation that will not only address the actions of those currently in power but also identify and hold accountable all individuals involved in the looting of our state’s resources.
“It is crucial that those who hold immunity from prosecution are placed under careful monitoring, and once they are out of office, they should be squarely punished and made to return all funds unlawfully taken from the coffers of Bauchi State,” It added.
It stressed that,”Our people deserve transparency and justice. The funds alleged to have been misappropriated rightfully belong to the good people of Bauchi State. Therefore, we demand the immediate recovery of these stolen resources and the prosecution of all individuals found culpable, irrespective of their position or political affiliation.”
According to it, “We must confront the systemic corruption that has plagued our state. This is not merely a battle against individual wrongdoings; it is a stand for the future of Bauchi State and the well-being of its people. Anyone prioritizing personal gain over public service—and thereby jeopardizing the future of our state—must face the full force of the law.”
It added that, “We thus call upon the EFCC to act with diligence and integrity in their ongoing investigations. Let this serve as a clarion call to all public officials that the era of unchecked theft and mismanagement of public funds is over.”
The PRP concluded, “The people of Bauchi State deserve leaders who are committed to honour, integrity, and the welfare of the citizens they serve. Together, we can ensure a brighter, more accountable future for Bauchi State.
