The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, accusing him of masterminding political crises in Bauchi State, describing the claims as an attempt to evade responsibility for internal party problems.
Wike was reacting to comments made by the Bauchi governor during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where Mohammed alleged that the former Rivers State governor had vowed to “set Bauchi on fire” politically and was using federal institutions to destabilise his administration.
Speaking during a “thank you” visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“I watched what the Bauchi governor was saying—that all the problems he is having are because of me, that I said I would put fire in his state,” Wike said.
“If I truly have such power to put fire, then why are you fighting? Why are you still struggling?”
The FCT minister maintained that the challenges confronting the Bauchi governor stem from internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party in the state and not from any external interference.
“Go and face your problem. You came to my state and wanted to impose a party leader there. Today, that person does not even have a party to present a successor,” he stated.
Wike also rejected claims that he was behind alleged pressure from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on some of Mohammed’s associates, insisting that law enforcement activities should not be politicised.
“Now EFCC is chasing them, he says it is me. What is my business? If your state is clean, go there and enjoy yourself,” he said.
Addressing criticism of his spending pattern as FCT minister, Wike challenged Mohammed, who served as FCT minister between 2010 and 2015, to account for his own tenure.
“You said I am spending badly. You were FCT minister from 2010 to 2015. Tell Nigerians what you did then. You sold the land, awarded contracts, collected money upfront, and left projects abandoned. I am the one completing them today,” Wike said.
He stressed that his disagreement with the Bauchi governor was strictly about party leadership and not personal or financial matters.
“I’m only fighting you on party leadership. I’m not interested in how you spend your money. Leave me alone and face your problems,” he added.
Wike concluded with a sarcastic remark, suggesting that he had become a convenient scapegoat for political failures across the country.
“Anybody that has a headache, it’s Wike. Anybody that has a stroke, it’s Wike. They are in Sokoto—Wike. They are in Bauchi—Wike. That means this Wike is too strong,” he said.
