The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), Bauchi chapter, has strongly condemned what it describes as a smear campaign against Senator Shehu Buba Umar of Bauchi South Senatorial District. The youth group alleges that the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, is leading efforts to tarnish the senator’s reputation.
In a statement released by the group’s acting chairman, Comrade Mohammed Hussaini, the Assembly criticized recent attacks from the governor, which they claim are part of a larger plan to diminish Senator Umar’s political career. The group referenced an incident during a local government election campaign where Governor Mohammed allegedly expressed intentions to damage the senator’s public image.
The group highlighted that Senator Umar had previously called for accountability regarding federal palliatives received by the state. They claim the governor responded by influencing the Bauchi Emirate Council to withdraw a prestigious traditional title that had been conferred on the senator.
“Despite these provocations, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has maintained his political maturity, choosing not to engage in personal confrontations,” the statement reads, commending his integrity and public service contributions across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts.
The Northern Youth Assembly accused the governor of resorting to political witch hunts due to fears of Senator Umar’s growing popularity in Bauchi State. They warned that these tactics would not succeed, describing them as attempts to distract from alleged mismanagement within the state government.
The group also raised concerns over a recent media report linking Senator Umar to bandits, labeling it as an unfounded accusation. As chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, they argue, the senator is highly committed to national security and would never associate with criminal elements.
The statement concluded with a call for anti-corruption bodies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate the Bauchi State government for alleged financial misappropriations and misuse of public resources.
The political feud between Governor Mohammed and Senator Umar has drawn significant attention in Bauchi, with many residents watching closely as the situation develops.
