Senator Buba Lambasts Bauchi Governor Over Banditry Allegation

Senator Shehu Umar Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, has described Governor Bala Mohammed’s allegation of supporting banditry as fabricated and malicious.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence declared that he would not be intimidated by anyone or persons engaging in unsubstantiated claims.

In a press statement issued on Thursday by his Legislative Assistant, Hassan Gajin Duguri, Buba characterized the governor’s petition to President Bola Tinubu as “both laughable and regrettable.”

The lawmaker took a swipe at Mohammed for consistently attacking the President and inciting citizens against the Federal Government, while ignoring the salient issues affecting Bauchi.

The response reads, “Senator Buba has endured Governor Mohammed’s arrogance and unbecoming behaviour, which includes unfounded fabrications stemming from the Senator’s defence of the President against repeated disparaging remarks.

“Governor Mohammed not only orchestrated the withdrawal of Senator Buba’s chieftaincy title but also employed political proxies to undermine his standing within the state. Such underhanded tactics reveal desperation, and the Senator refuses to be intimidated.”

“According to the governor’s letter, he claims that one Abubakar Idris, a suspected bandit, and Zainab Aliyu Gado were registered to perform the pilgrimage through a supposed Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Shehu Buba, named Yahaya Ibrahim.

“Senator Buba has no aide bearing that name. While it is the responsibility of security services to conduct due diligence on potential Hajj pilgrims, he only sponsors individuals for pilgrimage based on recommendations from elders, community and religious leaders.”

“We are aware that Hajiya Zainab Ali was thoroughly screened and permitted to perform Hajj, whereas Abubakar Idris was arrested for further investigation without any interference from the senator’s office.”

Accusing the governor of “war against people who question his leadership style”, the rejoinder said, “In 2019, when Mohammed faced political challenges, Senator Buba introduced him to then APC Leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, through Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

“However, just months later, the same governor turned against President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Tinubu, and the APC at a PDP campaign rally in Bayelsa State, showcasing his ungrateful and duplicitous nature.

“Senator Buba remains resolute in denying baseless allegations and reaffirms his commitment to the security of the nation and his constituents through scholarships, skills acquisition as well as youth and women empowerment.

“As the Chairman of a crucial Senate Committee, Senator Buba has actively championed initiatives aimed at counter-insurgency and anti-banditry; the efforts are beginning to yield positive results.

“Additionally, he is recognized for his contributions to infrastructure development, poverty reduction, provision of social amenities, palliatives to mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal, among others interventions.

“The Governor’s sinister intentions can not halt the winds of change gathering strength in Bauchi; his days of unethical actions are numbered. The momentum for change has begun, and no amount of blackmail will deter it,” the statement concluded.