By Khalid Doya Idris
Eyes on Democracy Nigeria, a pro-democracy and good governance advocacy organization, has strongly condemned the recent arrest of Bauchi State Accountant General, Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The group claims the arrest is politically motivated, aimed at weakening Governor Bala Mohammed, a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
"We strongly condemn this arrest, which we view as a politically motivated witch-hunt designed to intimidate Governor Bala Mohammed and his administration," said Comrade Munir Aska, chairman of the group's Bauchi chapter, while addressing a press conference on Monday. "This desperate move is clearly an attempt to silence a courageous leader who has consistently spoken truth to power, refusing to be cowed by those who seek to suppress democracy and good governance."
The group expressed concerns that the EFCC's actions are not coincidental, arguing that the targeting of Bauchi State officials is happening precisely because Governor Bala Mohammed remains vocal in challenging the Presidency's excesses and standing up for the Nigerian people. "His bold stance has made him a target for persecution, and the EFCC is being weaponized as an instrument of political oppression rather than a true anti-corruption agency," Aska added.
Eyes on Democracy also questioned the manner in which the Accountant General was arrested while attending a FAAC meeting in Abuja, stating that he had not been invited or engaged by the EFCC before the arrest. The group emphasized its commitment to monitoring government actions, exposing political injustices, and defending democratic institutions against authoritarian tendencies.
"We unequivocally state that Governor Bala Mohammed manages state finances and resources prudently and transparently. Under his leadership, Bauchi State is witnessing unprecedented and rapid development across various sectors," the group testified.
The group urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to take note of these undemocratic actions and resist any attempts to turn the EFCC into a tool for political oppression. Furthermore, the group called on the EFCC to operate within the bounds of the law and demanded the immediate release of the Accountant General, if there are genuine allegations against him, the group insisted they should be handled according to the law.
"We stand firmly with Governor Bala Mohammed and all voices of truth and justice in Nigeria. No amount of intimidation will halt the march toward democracy, transparency, and accountability," the group concluded.