Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has come under heavy criticism for alleged nepotism and intolerance towards dissenting voices.
Haruna Salisu, the publisher of WikkiTimes, a Bauchi-based media outlet, accused the governor of appointing his relatives to key positions, including Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed as Chairman of the Primary Health Care Agency and Adamu Duguri as Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board.
Both appointees are reportedly the governor’s blood relations.
Salisu described the level of nepotism in the administration as “alarming” and stated the appointment of loyalists and family members to key ministries as a strategy to control funds and resources.
He further accused the governor of clamping down on critics, jailing those who express dissenting opinions, particularly during the 2023 general elections.
The WikkiTimes publisher also raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the governor’s recent trip to China, questioning how the signed mining agreements would benefit Bauchi residents.
Salisu criticised the omission of projected revenue from the agreements in the state’s 2025 budget, suggesting potential corruption.
Additionally, Governor Mohammed was accused of targeting prominent critics, including Islamic scholar Dr. Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi, who was arrested for speaking against his administration.
Salisu called for accountability, urging the governor to address the grievances of citizens and uphold democratic principles.