The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace has issued a strong public statement urging Nigerians to reject what it describes as an attempt by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to seek public sympathy amid serious corruption and security-related allegations against officials of his administration.
In a statement signed by its president, Julius Danlami, the group referenced the recent arraignment of senior Bauchi State government officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the statement, the officials are facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and alleged terrorism financing.
The group described the allegations as grave and far beyond routine political disputes. It argued that the charges represent a significant breach of public trust and raise serious concerns about governance and accountability in the state.
The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace criticized Governor Bala Mohammed’s public remarks in which he suggested that his administration was being targeted for political reasons, particularly due to his refusal to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group described this claim as an attempt to deflect attention from the substance of the allegations and warned that such narratives could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
According to the statement, allegations involving the receipt of millions of dollars in illicit funds and the financing of terrorism must be treated with the utmost seriousness, especially in northern Nigeria, where communities have suffered prolonged violence and insecurity.
The group stressed that no public official should be allowed to evade scrutiny or accountability by framing legal actions as political persecution.
While acknowledging the constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting governor, the organization emphasized that immunity does not amount to impunity.
It maintained that legal processes must be allowed to proceed without interference and that justice should be served in line with the rule of law.
The group further noted that the case reflects a wider problem of corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria and called on citizens to resist emotional appeals that could obscure the truth. It urged Nigerians to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership from those in power.
In its concluding remarks, the Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace called on judicial authorities to expedite proceedings related to the allegations, warning that delays only deepen public distrust.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and good governance, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in holding leaders accountable.
The statement ended with a call for a renewed national commitment to integrity, security, and progress, insisting that sympathy should not replace scrutiny when serious allegations threaten the stability and moral foundation of society.
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