Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has asked Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to face his challenges and stop dragging him into the state’s political issues.
Wike made the remarks during a “thank you” visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday, in response to allegations by Mohammed that he was behind the crises rocking Bauchi State.
Earlier on Thursday, Mohammed accused Wike of orchestrating instability in his state, recalling that the minister had once threatened to “put fire” in Bauchi. He further alleged that Wike was using federal agencies and political machinery to undermine his administration, while also criticizing his leadership style as FCT minister, describing his spending pattern as questionable. According to Mohammed, Wike had become a rallying point for internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Reacting to the accusations, Wike dismissed the claims and advised the governor to stop blaming others and confront his issues directly.
“If you do not have such power, why are you fighting? If you have the power to put out the fire, then go ahead and do it,” Wike said.
He recalled that Mohammed had previously visited Rivers State with the intention of imposing a party leader, an action he said he warned against.
“You came to my state. I told you to be careful. Leave my state alone because you wanted to impose a party leader in my state. I warned him that he would see the consequences. Today, he does not have a party to produce his successor. That is exactly what I warned him about,” he stated.
Wike further advised Mohammed to withdraw if he lacked the strength to handle the political situation confronting him.
The minister stressed that his engagement with Mohammed was strictly at the level of party leadership, adding that he had no interest in the affairs of Bauchi State.
He also challenged the governor to address issues involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which he claimed was investigating Mohammed’s associates over alleged terrorism financing.
“What is my business? If your state is clean, go there and clear yourself. Don’t come and tell Nigerians stories. Leave me alone and go and face your problems,” Wike said.Nigerian Travel Packages
Responding to accusations over land sales in Abuja, Wike noted that Mohammed had previously served as FCT minister from 2010 to 2015 and questioned his record during that period.
“You sold land everywhere. The contracts you awarded, you couldn’t complete them. Now I am the one completing the projects,” he said.
Wike maintained that his performance as FCT minister had earned widespread public approval, insisting he would continue to deliver results.
“Nigerians are singing our praises every day. That means I have done well, and I will continue to do well,” he added.