Islamic scholars warn EFCC against tagging Bala Mohammed as terrorism financier

Coalition of Bauchi State Islamic Scholars from different sects have warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against tagging the state Governor, Bala Mohammed as a terror financier, saying that it is paradoxical leveling such accusation against leader of one of the peaceful northern states in the country.

The scholars said this over the weekend while addressing the press over the ongoing trial of finance commissioner, Adamu Yakubu and four others, standing trial over alleged funding of terror activities at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Leader of the coalition, Imam Yusuf Adam, absolved the Governor, Bala Mohammed, of not supporting banditry nor giving them assistance; on the contrary, he is actively fighting them.

Adam dismissed the allegation against the Commissioner, Yakubu and other government officials as baseless. “The people of Bauchi State are shocked, because none of them has ever been associated with banditry; instead, they are known for good character and peaceful living. We therefore call for their release so they would return to their families and continue their duties.

The religious leaders urged the public to desist from spreading fabricated stories aimed at tarnishing others. “Religion forbids mocking those undergoing trials, because Allah may remove someone from a trial and place the mocker in an even greater one.” He said.

“We call on politicians to ensure that political rivalry does not push them to harm innocent people. Our state has enjoyed peace for many years. We therefore call on everyone to avoid actions that may cause unrest. Conflict is like a forest fire: once it starts, it does not burn only those who ignited it.

“We, the people of Bauchi State, are the most qualified to testify as to whether our Governor supports terrorism or not, rather than outsiders. As those directly governed by him, we are uniquely positioned to assess his conduct and to bear credible witness in a way that no external party can.”

They believed that Bauchi State is among the most peaceful, “recording very low levels of criminality as there is no crime free society in the world. This has led people from other states to relocate here and build homes, especially in the state capital, due to the peace and security enjoyed by the residents.

“If terrorism and banditry activities were widespread here, people would not continue to move into the state in such large numbers. This migration has even led to the creation of new settlements in Bauchi State, where the government has resettled people displaced by insecurity from neighbouring states, for example: Maraban Liman Katagum, New Nabordo, New Narabi, among others.”