Senator Shehu Umar Buba, representing Bauchi South, has dismissed Governor Bala Mohammed’s allegations of supporting banditry as baseless.
In a press statement released by his Legislative Assistant, Hassan Gajin Duguri, Senator Buba described the governor’s petition to President Tinubu as “both laughable and regrettable.”
The senator criticized Governor Mohammed for consistently insulting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and inciting citizens against the Federal Government, questioning how he could dare submit a petition against a legislator responding to his baseless outbursts.
According to the statement, “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.”
Senator Buba’s assistant emphasized that “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.”
The governor’s petition alleged that Senator Buba’s aide, Yahaya Ibrahim, registered suspected bandit Abubakar Idris and Zainab Aliyu Gado for the pilgrimage. However, Senator Buba’s office clarified, “Senator Buba does not have a Senior Legislative Aide by the name Yahaya Ibrahim.”
The statement further explained, “While it is the responsibility of security services to conduct due diligence on potential Hajj pilgrims, Senator Buba sponsors numerous individuals for the pilgrimage each year, based on recommendations from elders, community leaders, and religious figures.”
Additionally, the aide stated, “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.”
The statement noted, “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.”
Highlighting the governor’s ongoing attacks, the statement remarked, “Governor Bala Mohammed has waged a political war against Senator Buba and others who dare to question his leadership style and arrogance.”
The statement recounted, “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,” the statement said.
It added, “He is known for positively impacting the well-being of his constituency by providing scholarships, facilitating skills acquisition, and empowering youth and women.”
Furthermore, the statement highlighted, “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 concluded, “Regardless of the Governor’s sinister intentions, he cannot halt the winds of change gathering strength in Bauchi. His days of unbecoming and unethical behaviours are numbered. The momentum for change has already begun, and no amount of blackmail will deter or intimidate my boss.”
