Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has alleged that Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike, played a major role in securing Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed’s gubernatorial ambition in 2018, both financially and logistically.
The ex-Speaker accused Bala Mohammed of betrayal and biting
the hand that once fed him.
According to Dogara, Mohammed’s chances of winning the
primaries were slim as his major opponent, Senator Abdul Ningi, controlled the
party structure in the state.
Dogara said he reached out to Wike, who assured him of full
support and facilitated the process by appointing his ally, Chief Dan Osi
Orbih, as chairman of the primary panel.
Wike reportedly provided a private jet to fly Orbih to
Bauchi for the assignment and covered all expenses, with no conditions
attached.
According to Dogara, after Bala Mohammed emerged as the PDP
flagbearer, it became apparent that he lacked the financial resources to fund
his campaign.
The former Speaker revealed that a fundraiser organized at
Sheraton Hotel in Abuja raised a meager N48 million, leaving the team stranded.
Desperate for funds, Dogara said he led a delegation to Port
Harcourt, where Wike again came to their rescue.
During the visit, Wike reportedly expressed his displeasure
with Bala Mohammed, citing past grievances, including alleged mistreatment
during their time as ministers under President Goodluck Jonathan.
The former Speaker in a statement issued on Tuesday through
his media aide, Turaki Hassan, said despite the grievances, Wike provided
financial assistance and even a private jet to support Bala Mohammed’s
campaign.
Dogara revealed that Bala Mohammed knelt before Wike to
collect the funds and promised to change his ways adding that Wike’s
unconditional support proved instrumental in Bala Mohammed’s eventual victory.
“Wike bore all the costs, from providing a private jet to
flying Chief Dan to Bauchi, to personally ensuring Mohammed’s emergence as
PDP’s flag bearer,” Dogara revealed.
“It’s shocking that Bala Mohammed, who had no financial
capacity for his campaign, now has the audacity to call Wike ‘transactional,”
he added.
The former Speaker described Bala Mohammed as a “psychopath”
and a “serial betrayer,” accusing him of turning on his benefactor Wike and
others, including elder statesman Alhaji Bello Kirfi.
He criticized Mohammed for labeling Wike a “transactional
politician” despite benefiting immensely from his generosity.
The FCT Minister and the Bauchi
governor have been at loggerheads over the PDP leadership crisis.
Mohammed had accused Wike of betraying the PDP by working
with the All Progressive Congress, APC, while demanding his resignation.
But Wike fired back, calling Mohammed a hypocrite, pointing
out that he once switched from the All Nigeria Peoples Party to the PDP while
benefiting from a PDP administration.
The disagreement between the duo is also tied to the Rivers
State crisis.
It is believed that Wike is not happy with Bala Mohammed,
who doubles as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, for siding with his
successor in Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, amid their ongoing feud.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com