…Concerned Stakeholders Question Criteria, Judiciary’s Role
In a surprising turn of events, Yusuf Abubakar Musa(AKA Yusuf Mada), previously sacked from his position as Special Adviser on Infrastructure in 2021 due to alleged involvement in railway vandalism, has been reappointed by Governor Sule as a Senior Special Adviser. The decision to reappoint Mada, who hails from the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government area, has ignited controversy and raised questions about the criteria for such appointment.
Recall that the Nasarawa State Police Command headed by the then Commissioner of Police, CP Bola Longe burst a syndicate of high net worth individuals involved in vandalisation, stealing of railway tracks that pass through Nasarawa state to Benue state.
Among those nabbed by the police and now in their custody are, Yusuf Abubakar Musa (a.k.a. Yusuf Mada) who is special adviser on Infrastructure to Governor Abdullahi Sule, Mohammed Isiaka a former supervisory councilor on education in Nasarawa Eggon local government council, Inspector Richard Joseph of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Lafia, Sergeant Mali Peter of same CID, Lafia, Samuel Asoloko.
Others were Ibrahim Amegwa Usman both personnel of the Nigerian Legion and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lafia respectively. Also arrested in connection with the crime were, Samuel Shagbaor who is Principal Technical Officer of the Nigeria Railway Corporation(NRC) in charge of Agyragu, Lafia and its suburbs, the Chinese Manager of Yong Xing Steel Company in Tuga Maje, FCT, Abuja (Marra Thai), the Company’s Procurement Officer Jacob Terkymun Emmanuel and its Legal Adviser Nathaniel Oba. Others are, Aliyu Abdullahi Dan Amana, Abdul Qayyumu Abubakar, Umaru Dauda, Yusuf Ahmed and Abubakar Nuhu.
CP Longe said that owners of the articulated vehicle (trailer) used for carting the stolen rail tracks/sleepers offered the police N160, 000 bribes to secure release of the trailer while Barrister Oba is said to have offered the Police Investigation Team, N600, 000 cash bribe to secure release of his client, the Chinese.
Yusuf Abubakar initial removal from his role as Special Adviser on Infrastructure stemmed from allegations of involvement in railway tracks vandalization that took place in 2022. The case is currently under judicial review. Concerned stakeholders, led by Alhaji Danlami, have voiced their apprehension regarding the constitutionality of reappointing Mada while the court case is ongoing.
According to Alhaji Danlami, “It is very unfortunate that the Governor would reappoint someone who has been rejected by his people and cast doubt on his government. This sends a wrong message to the public.”
He also alleged that the Police and the Judiciary may have been compromised, which has contributed to the case still lingering on. Such allegations have cast doubt on the efficacy and impartiality of the judiciary in addressing the case of the railway vandals
The reappointment of Yusuf Mada has ignited debate not only within the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government area but also throughout the state. Concerns have been raised about the ethical and legal implications of reappointing an individual who is still facing trials for the destruction of federal government properties.
Governor Sule’s decision to reappoint Yusuf Mada as a Senior Special Adviser in the face of an ongoing legal battle has left the public divided and prompted calls for transparency and accountability in the appointment process.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness and the rule of law.
