SAHARA REPORTERS
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has alleged that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed once knelt down to receive financial assistance from Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, during the 2018 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries.
Dogara’s statement comes amid public fallout between Wike and Mohammed, with the governor criticising Wike in recent weeks.
Dogara called Mohammed’s remarks “treachery” and “ingratitude,” revealing behind-the-scenes accounts of their interactions.
In a lengthy statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, Dogara detailed how Governor Mohammed allegedly relied on Wike’s support to secure his PDP governorship ticket and fund his campaigns.
Dogara alleged that Wike bore the financial and logistical costs that enabled Mohammed’s emergence as Bauchi State governor, describing Wike’s intervention as selfless and without preconditions.
Dogara claimed that in 2018, as Mohammed faced stiff competition during the PDP primaries, Wike provided critical support, including appointing a trusted ally, Chief Dan Orbih, as chairman of the primary election panel. Wike also allegedly arranged a private jet to transport Orbih to Bauchi for the exercise and covered all associated costs.
“To do it, Wike first of all made his bosom friend, Chief Dan Orbih, the chairman of the panel for the primaries. Wike bore all expenses for the exercise,” Dogara said.
Dogara further alleged that Mohammed had no funds to support his campaign or that of other PDP candidates in the state, leading them to approach Wike for financial assistance.
“We flew to Port Harcourt with Bala Mohammed without informing Wike of his presence. Despite initial reservations, Wike provided substantial financial assistance, a private jet, and logistics to kickstart Mohammed’s campaign,” Dogara stated.
Dogara revealed that Wike initially expressed reluctance, recounting past grievances with Mohammed during their time as ministers under President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to Dogara, Wike accused Mohammed of sidelining him in the allocation of plots of land and approvals in Abuja.
“Wike confronted Bala Mohammed with these grievances, which Bala admitted and pleaded for forgiveness. Despite this, Wike offered financial support without placing any conditions.
“He passed the night at the Government House and the next morning Wike called and directed that his cash assistance be handed over to me to pass to Bala. I said, your Excellency, it’s better I call him so that he can collect the assistance himself least he thinks you are still angry with him.
“I sent for Bala and when he came Wike’s aide handed over the package to him and he collected it while almost kissing the ground,” Dogara alleged.
Dogara accused Mohammed of betrayal and ingratitude, labelling him as “morally bankrupt” and prone to betraying those who helped him rise politically.
He referenced Mohammed’s past disputes with prominent figures, including former Bauchi State Governor Alhaji Bello Kirfi, as evidence of his lack of loyalty.
“When Wike was his benefactor, Bala described him as ‘courageous, focused, and determined.’ Now, he calls him a ‘transactional politician.’
“This hypocrisy is glaring,” Dogara said.
Dogara urged Mohammed to reflect on his actions and refrain from undermining those who supported him in his time of need.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS
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