By: Daure David
In Nigerian politics, alliances are often forged and broken, with players strategically aligning to gain political advantage. The recent public spat between Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and his one-time ally, Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, has once again brought to light the complex and often opaque nature of political relationships. It’s an issue that deserves closer scrutiny, especially considering the shared history between the two prominent political figures.
Before the 2015 elections, Governor Bala Mohammed was one of the key ministers in the administration of former The Unfolding Political Drama: The Bala Mohammed-Wike Relationship
In Nigerian politics, alliances are often forged and broken, with players strategically aligning to gain political advantage. The recent public spat between Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and his one-time ally, Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, has once again brought to light the complex and often opaque nature of political relationships. It’s an issue that deserves closer scrutiny, especially considering the shared history between the two prominent political figures.
Before the 2015 elections, Governor Bala Mohammed was one of the key ministers in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. At that time, Mohammed played a significant role in supporting Nyesom Wike’s bid for the governorship of Rivers State under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This support was not just political but financial, with reports indicating that Governor Bala Mohammed provided Wike with substantial resources to ensure his success. These claims of financial backing are not new; sources close to both political figures have confirmed that substantial sums of money were transferred to Wike during this period.
Yet, despite the financial backing, Governor Bala Mohammed never sought to publicly highlight his role in Wike’s success. He respected the privacy of their dealings and refrained from leveraging his support as a political tool. This moral standard of not using financial assistance as a means to control or manipulate political outcomes was, and remains, one of Mohammed’s guiding principles. However, things seem to have changed with the latest comments made by Wike’s spokesperson, Yakubu Dogara, which openly alluded to Wike’s financial assistance to Mohammed during the 2019 governorship election.
This revelation has sparked a wave of controversy, with many questioning the integrity of political loyalties and the evolving nature of the Bala-Wike relationship. It is now clear that Wike, through Dogara, has taken a different approach in acknowledging the past. His public boasting of the resources he provided to Governor Mohammed in 2019 contrasts sharply with the former’s prior reticence to make such matters public. The motivations behind this shift in tone remain unclear, but it has certainly caused a rift between the two former allies.
Sources further allege that, in addition to the financial assistance, Governor Bala Mohammed also played a key role in providing Wike with a land in Abuja for the construction of his current residence. This claim, while not widely publicized, has also surfaced in recent discussions. The official documentation, including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the land, reportedly bears Mohammed’s signature, lending weight to these allegations. Wike, however, is now engaged in a controversial political move, revoking the C of O of some individuals who have fallen out of favor with his administration. This act has raised eyebrows, particularly as it relates to his earlier relationship with Mohammed.
It is important to note that despite the current public feud, the history between Governor Bala Mohammed and Nyesom Wike is one of mutual support and understanding. Wike knows well the role that Governor Mohammed played in his political ascent, and there is little doubt that he benefitted greatly from Mohammed’s contributions. Yet, as the political landscape shifts and new alliances are formed, the delicate balance of respect and loyalty seems to be crumbling.
As things stand, the public airing of these past relationships is damaging for both sides. Governor Bala Mohammed has maintained a dignified silence for the most part, only speaking out when provoked. His moral standards, which have long guided his political career, are now being tested as Wike and his allies choose to engage in political mudslinging. For Mohammed, the truth remains clear: he supported Wike when needed and never sought to make it public, but now the same Wike seems to be using financial contributions as a bargaining chip.
This ongoing saga of political loyalty, betrayal, and blackmail calls into question the integrity of Nigerian politics. It’s a reminder that the relationships between political leaders are often more complicated than they appear on the surface. In the end, it is the people of Nigeria who are left to wonder: who benefits from these public disputes, and what is truly at stake?
As the drama unfolds, it is crucial for the public to remember that in Nigerian politics, alliances are often temporary, and loyalty can be a fluid concept. What remains clear is that no matter how many narratives are spun, the truth of past alliances and support will continue to be a point of contention as political careers evolve.
