The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), Bauchi State Chapter, has condemned recent allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to banditry.
The assembly called the allegation a “scripted template” by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadeer, to tarnish the Senator’s image.
This was contained in a statement signed by the acting chairman of the Assembly, Comrade Mohammed Hussaini.
According to the statement, the group described the allegations as a “political attack” and part of a broader effort to undermine the senator’s political career.
The statement noted that the tension between Governor Bala Mohammed and Sen. Shehu Buba had been increasing since the latter challenged the governor’s handling of palliatives meant for the people of Bauchi State.
The Assembly accused the governor of launching a public political war against the senator, citing past incidents where the governor allegedly threatened to damage Sen. Buba’s reputation.
The group also expressed concern over the governor’s influence on the Bauchi Emirate Council, which led to the withdrawal of a traditional title that had been conferred on the senator.
“Sen. Shehu Buba did not confront the governor on this, displaying his political maturity and moral background,”the statement reads.
It emphasized that Sen. Shehu Buba’s contributions to education, healthcare, and human empowerment in Bauchi have earned him widespread support.
The statement further criticized Governor Bala Mohammed for his political cowardice and accused his administration of turning Bauchi State into a “family enterprise,” awarding government contracts only to family and friends.
The Assembly also responded to the recent publication suggesting an investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) into Sen. Buba’s alleged connection with bandits in Zamfara State.
The group called on security agencies to treat the allegation with caution, describing it as a political smear campaign.
“Sen. Shehu Buba is the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, and he understands the importance of safeguarding the country. The idea that he would associate with bandits is inconceivable,”it added.
The Assembly called on anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to investigate the Bauchi State Government’s contract awards and alleged financial misappropriation.