Sen. Buba To Gov. Mohammed – Your Allegation Of Sponsorship Of Banditry Against Me Baseless, Fabricated 

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Senator Shehu Umar Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has described the allegation of sponsorship of activities of bandits made against him by Governor Bala Mohammed as baseless, fabricated and malicious.

Buba, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence, declared that he will not be intimidated by such unfounded allegations.

Governor Bal Mohammed had in a letter dated September 19, 2024 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, alleged that Senator Buba is one of the supporters and sponsors of banditry in the country, and therefore called for his arrest, investigation and possible prosecution.

Buba declared that regardless of Governor Mohammed’s sinister intentions, he cannot halt the winds of change gathering strength in Bauchi, stressing that his days of “unbecoming and unethical behaviours” are numbered.

The lawmaker also said the momentum for change has already begun, and no amount of blackmail will deter or intimidate him.

Senator Buba in a statement on Thursday, said Governor Mohammed’s petition was both “laughable and regrettable”, saying that he would not have responded to the baseless accusation but found it necessary to set the record straight to debunk the falsehood.

In the statement issued by his Legislative Assistant, Hassan Gajin Duguri, Senator Buba criticized Governor Mohammed for consistently insulting and attacking President Tinubu as well as inciting citizens against the Federal Government and therefore questioned how he could dare submit a petition against a legislator who was merely responding to his baseless outbursts.

The statement further said; “As the Senator representing Bauchi South in the National Assembly, Senator Buba has endured Governor Bala Mohammed’s arrogance, excesses, and unbecoming behavior, which includes unfounded fabrications stemming from the senator’s defense 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 the governor’s desperation, and the senator refuses to be intimidated,” it stated.

Senator Buba said he was no surprised at Governor Mohammed’s latest actions, which involved fabricating falsehoods in a petition to the President.

The statement noted that Governor Mohammed’s letter, alleged that one Abubakar Idris, a suspected bandit, and Zainab Aliyu Gado were registered to perform pilgrimage through a supposed Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Shehu Buba, named Yahaya Ibrahim.

Senator Buba pointedly said that he does not have a Senior Legislative Aide by the name Yahaya Ibrahim, adding however, that it is the responsibility of security services to conduct due diligence on potential Hajj pilgrims.

According to the statement; “Senator Buba sponsors numerous individuals for the pilgrimage each year, based on recommendations from elders, community leaders, and religious figures.

“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.

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

“Governor Bala Mohammed has waged a political war against Senator Buba and others who dare to question his leadership style and arrogance.

“In 2019, when Bala Mohammed faced political challenges, Senator Buba personally introduced him to then APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, through Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

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

“Senator Buba remains resolute in denying these baseless allegations and reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents and ensuring the security of the nation.

“He is known for positively impacting the well-being of his constituency by providing scholarships, facilitating skills acquisition, and empowering youth and women.

“Additionally, he is recognized for his contributions to infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and the provision of social amenities and palliatives to mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal, among other commendable initiatives,” the statement stressed.