As Group Condemns Bauchi Governor’s Claims Linking Senator Shehu Buba to Banditry
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Bauchi State chapter of the Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), also known as NYA, has condemned allegations made by Governor Bala Mohammed, linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to banditry.
The condemnation was expressed in a statement signed by the group’s acting chairman, Comrade Mohammed Husaini, and released to the media over the weekend.
Recently, former and current governors of Zamfara State, Bello Matawale and Dauda Lawal, respectively, have exchanged accusations regarding each other’s alleged involvement in sponsoring and financing terror and banditry, doing so without any subsequent security interrogation.
The NYA denounced the allegations against Senator Buba, describing them as an attempt to tarnish his reputation and reflecting the governor’s political insecurities. The statement noted that these accusations are part of a political attack against Senator Shehu Buba, who represents the Bauchi South Senatorial District.
“For some time now, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State has initiated a political war against Senator Buba Shehu, the only politician in Bauchi State posing a challenge to the governor,” the statement read.
The Assembly criticized the governor’s recent actions, including threats to undermine Senator Buba’s political career and calls for the withdrawal of a traditional title conferred upon him.
“Senator Shehu Buba did not confront the Governor… based on his political maturity and decorum,” the statement added.
The Assembly expressed concern over the governor’s conduct, stating, “These and other political attacks indicate nothing except the distress over the increasing support for Senator Shehu Buba.”
NYA also urged security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to approach the allegations against Senator Buba with caution, acknowledging him as a respected political figure and the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
“It is inconceivable for such a person to submit himself to bandits and terrorists, especially given his contributions to crime prevention across the country,” the group added.
In conclusion, the Northern Youth Assembly called for an investigation into Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration concerning contract awards and alleged financial misappropriations, affirming their commitment to protecting Senator Shehu Buba’s integrity: “We resolve to protect the integrity and reputation of Senator Shehu Buba Umar.”
