Haruna Salisu, the publisher of WikkiTimes, a Bauchi-based media organization, has accused Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State of fostering intolerance and nepotism in his administration.
Salisu alleged that the governor has demonstrated hostility toward constructive criticism, often targeting dissenters with imprisonment or silencing tactics. “Many individuals who dare to question his administration are either jailed or silenced by all means,” he stated.
The publisher accused the governor of nepotism, citing the appointments of Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed and Adamu Duguri, the governor’s blood relatives, as chairpersons of the Bauchi Primary Health Care Agency and the State Universal Basic Education Board, respectively. According to Salisu, this pattern extends to several strategic ministries and agencies dominated by the governor’s family members and loyalists.
“Let us look at your cabinet. Strategic ministries are manned by your family and friends. Who is heading the PHC? He is your blood relative. Why? Because everyone knows there is intervention from development partners running into billions of naira. One way to siphon money is by placing loyalists and family members in control,” Salisu alleged.
The publisher described the administration as alarmingly nepotistic, claiming, “To the best of my knowledge, no governor in Northern Nigeria has demonstrated such glaring disregard for due process and nepotism like Governor Mohammed.”
Suppression of Criticism
Salisu also highlighted alleged incidents of suppression during the 2023 general elections, where youths were arrested for expressing dissent on social media. He accused the governor of treating critics as enemies and fostering an environment of hostility toward those exposing wrongdoing.
“Many innocent people have suffered from your clampdown on constructive criticism. You had me arrested and jailed because of the work we do at WikkiTimes to expose your wrongdoings,” Salisu said.
He further cited the arrest and imprisonment of a popular Islamic scholar, Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi, over his criticism of the administration, accusing the governor of intolerance toward opposing views.
Questions Over China Trip
Salisu also challenged the governor to clarify the benefits of his recent trip to China, during which the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese companies for mining activities. He questioned why the projected revenue from these agreements was not reflected in the 2025 Bauchi State budget.
“Where is the money going? Why did you fail to include the projected revenue from the MoUs in the 2025 appropriation to demonstrate transparency to Bauchi people?” Salisu asked.
The accusations have sparked discussions about governance, transparency, and the treatment of dissenting voices in Bauchi State. Governor Mohammed’s office is yet to respond to the allegations.
