Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has strongly criticized Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accusing him of betraying and showing ingratitude toward Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Dogara’s remarks come as tensions escalate between Mohammed and Wike, marked by public exchanges and counter-allegations.

The dispute was amplified recently when Wike’s media adviser, Lere Olayinka, criticized Mohammed’s opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, labeling his stance as misplaced. In retaliation, Mohammed described Wike as a “transactional politician” who betrays allies and shifts loyalties for personal benefit.

Addressing the controversy, Dogara issued a statement titled “Let the Truth Be Told,” recounting how Wike allegedly played a pivotal role in salvaging Mohammed’s political career during the 2019 governorship race in Bauchi.

Dogara stated, “As someone who knows so much because I was the provocateur of the events between the two, I consider my silence not just cowardice but complicity. Therefore, I am not afraid to stand alone or risk conflict. This is not about defending Wike, but stating the raw truth I know.”

He explained that Wike had stepped in during the 2018 PDP gubernatorial primaries when Mohammed faced stiff competition from Senator Abdul Ningi, who controlled the party structure in Bauchi.

“Wike made his close ally, Chief Dan Orbih, the chairman of the primaries panel and provided a private jet to fly him to Bauchi for the exercise. Wike bore all the expenses without placing any conditions for his support,” Dogara revealed.

Dogara further alleged that after Mohammed won the PDP ticket, his campaign was underfunded, forcing them to rely heavily on Wike for financial and logistical support.

“When Bala Mohammed promised to sponsor all party candidates if he got the ticket, we didn’t realize he lacked the financial capacity to fund even his campaign. A fundraiser at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja only raised a paltry N28 million after expenses. It became clear we had no other option but to seek help from Wike,” Dogara said.

He recounted how Wike, despite initial resentment due to past grievances with Mohammed, forgave him after Mohammed admitted his wrongdoings and apologized.

“Wike handed over cash assistance to Bala and even provided a private jet to return us to Abuja. This wasn’t a one-off act of kindness—Wike supported Bala on multiple occasions without asking for anything in return. Yet, Bala has chosen to betray him, proving Wike’s earlier warning that he would regret supporting Bala,” Dogara added.

Dogara also accused Mohammed of a history of betraying allies, referencing his fallout with political mentors like Bello Kirfi, a former minister during the Second Republic.

He stated, “Bala Mohammed’s record of betrayal is well-documented. When Wike was his benefactor, he praised him as ‘focused, courageous, and determined.’ Now, he chooses to malign the same man who once rescued him from political obscurity. This is nothing but a shameful act of ingratitude.”

 
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