…Describes statement as political witch-hunt against AG
By Abel Zwamke, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Advocates for Peace and Patriotism has dismissed recent calls for the resignation of the state’s Accountant General, Rt. Hon. Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, describing the allegations leveled against him as unfounded and politically motivated.
This follows a statement issued on Sunday by Mr. Laz’rus Salaki, Coordinator of the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group, who accused the Accountant General of engaging in partisan politics and demanded his immediate resignation.
Addressing journalists in Lafia on Tuesday, the Coordinator of the Advocates for Peace and Patriotism, Mr. D.S. Abimiku, said the allegations were a calculated attempt to tarnish the Accountant General’s reputation for selfish political reasons.
“We have every reason to believe that this so-called group is being sponsored by a political aspirant whose sole aim is to discredit the Accountant General for personal and political gain,” Abimiku stated.
He noted that despite growing public support for Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the Accountant General has not declared any intention to contest for political office.
“To date, the Accountant General has neither formally nor informally declared interest in any political position. The growing calls urging him to run for office are purely based on his exceptional track record, professional competence, and commitment to transparency,” he added.
Abimiku further emphasized that the allegations lack any legal basis, citing a Supreme Court ruling that guarantees public servants the constitutional right to associate with political parties.
He referenced the landmark case of INEC v. Musa, where the Supreme Court upheld the political rights of civil servants. Quoting Justice Samson Ayoola, he said:
“There is nothing reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in prohibiting a member of the civil service from being eligible to register as a member of a political party.”
He also cited the opinion of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, who held that civil service rules restricting political activities are subordinate to the Constitution.
“Civil service rules are not legislation per se, as they are not made under any enabling Acts or laws,” Uwais ruled, affirming that “every person” under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution has the right to associate and belong to any political party without restriction.
The group challenged Mr. Salaki and his organization to provide credible evidence of wrongdoing or bias in the performance of the Accountant General’s duties.
“We challenge Mr. Salaki to provide verifiable evidence of any favoritism or abuse of office by Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed. Until then, these claims remain speculative and politically motivated,” Abimiku declared.
Reaffirming the Accountant General’s dedication to public service, the group said he remains focused on his responsibilities.
“Dr. Musa remains committed to his duties and continues to serve diligently under the administration of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule. He is not distracted by politically motivated propaganda,” the statement read.
The group reiterated its support for Governor Sule’s leadership and echoed growing calls from citizens urging Dr. Musa to consider contesting the 2027 gubernatorial election.
“We join voices across the state in calling on Rt. Hon. Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed to heed the people’s call and consider contesting the governorship of Nasarawa State in 2027,” Abimiku concluded.
