The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s claims that the minister is responsible for political challenges in his state.
Governor Bala on Thursday accused Wike of plotting against him, alleging that the FCT minister once vowed to “put fire” in Bauchi and is now using federal agencies and political machinery to undermine his administration.
Bala also criticised Wike’s management style in Abuja, questioning his spending patterns and suggesting that he has become a focal point for conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, speaking during a “thank you” visit to Abua-Odual Local Government in Rivers State, Wike dismissed the allegations as an attempt by Bala to deflect blame for his own political setbacks.
“I watched what the Bauchi governor is saying, that all the problems he’s having are because of me, because I said I would put fire in his state. If I had such power, why are you struggling? If I have the power to put fire, why are you fighting?” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor argued that Bala’s difficulties are the result of his own actions within the PDP. “Go and face your problems. You came to my state, I told you, ‘Be careful, leave my state alone.’ You wanted to impose a party leader in my state. Today, he doesn’t even have a party to bring his successor,” he added.
Wike recalled warning PDP leaders against overreaching in states they could not control, noting that the current disarray in Bauchi was a consequence of ignoring that advice.
Responding to Bala’s claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was acting under his influence against some of the governor’s associates, Wike denied any involvement.
“Now EFCC is chasing them, and he says it’s me. What’s my business? If your state is clean, go there and enjoy yourself,” he said, emphasising that law enforcement should not be politicised.
Wike further clarified that his disagreements with Bala are strictly within the context of party leadership and not about personal finances or governance choices. “I’m only fighting with you as party leadership. I’m not interested in what you spend,” he said.
The minister also challenged Bala to account for his own record as FCT minister between 2010 and 2015 before criticising the current administration.
“You said I’m spending badly. You were Minister of FCT from 2010 to 2015. Why not tell the people what you did in the FCT? The whole land, you sold it. Do the roads, you awarded contracts, they collected upfront, and now I’m the one completing the projects,” Wike stated.
He concluded by highlighting that Nigerians are recognising his performance in office, and took a sarcastic jab at those who blame him for crises nationwide.
“Anybody who has a stroke, it’s Wike. Anybody who has a headache, Wike. Those who are in Sokoto, Wike; they are in Taraba, Wike. They are in Lagos, Wike; they are in Bauchi, Wike. So it means this Wike is too strong,” he said.
