Islamic scholars in Bauchi State have strongly spoken in defence of Governor Bala Mohammed against allegations of financing terrorism, stating that the governor has no connection whatsoever with bandits.
Imams Abdulrahman Idris and Mohammed Yusuf Adam stated this while jointly addressing a press conference at the NUJ secretariat in Bauchi on Friday.
“We, the Muslim community, comprising various Islamic groups in Bauchi State, consider it necessary at this time to clarify our position, based on what we know and are convinced of, regarding the allegation that the Bauchi State Government is in support of terrorism and banditry activities,” the Islamic scholars stated.
They emphasised that Bauchi State is one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria, with low levels of criminality, attracting people from other states seeking security.
According to the Muslim leaders, the peaceful nature of Bauchi state under Governor Mohammed has served as a safe haven for people affected by insecurity across neighbouring states.
“If terrorism and banditry activities were widespread here, people would not continue to move into the state in such large numbers,” they argued.
The Islamic scholars disclosed that the migration has led to the creation of new settlements in Bauchi State, where the government has resettled people displaced by insecurity from neighbouring states at Mararaban Liman Katagum, New Nabordo, New Narabi, and others.
The scholars affirmed that the governor has no connection with bandits and has actively worked to combat insecurity, providing equipment and funds to security agencies and vigilante groups.
They described allegations against the governor and some Bauchi government officials as baseless and called for their release from custody.
The Islamic scholars urged the public to avoid spreading false information and politicians to refrain from using political rivalry to harm innocent people, emphasising that conflict can have far-reaching consequences.
They dismissed as false allegations that the governor and some government officials have supported bandits, insisting that Bala Mohammed has no relationship with any bandit group, let alone assists them.
Leave a Reply