Politics
Northern Youths Rally Behind Senator Buba Amid Banditry Allegations
The Bauchi Chapter of the Northern Youth Assembly has come to the defense of Senator Shehu Buba, who represents the Bauchi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
This support follows accusations from Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who alleged that Buba was involved in banditry activities within the state.
In a statement released by Acting Chairman Comrade Mohammed Hussaini, the Northern Youth Assembly dismissed the Governor’s claims as unfounded and malicious. They argued these allegations stem from the Governor’s diminishing political relevance, prompting him to target the esteemed lawmaker.
“It is important to note that for some time, Governor Bala Abdulkadeer has engaged in a public political feud against Senator Buba Shehu, who has emerged as a significant political challenge to the Governor’s administration,” the statement read.
The youth highlighted instances where the Governor expressed intentions to undermine Senator Buba’s political career during a recent local government election campaign, aiming to tarnish his reputation.
They recalled that Senator Buba had previously challenged the Governor to account for the palliatives received from the Federal Government intended for the people of Bauchi State. Additionally, they noted that the Governor pressured the Bauchi Emirate Council to rescind the traditional title of Mujaddadin Bauchi, which had been duly awarded to Senator Buba.
Despite these provocations, Senator Buba has chosen to refrain from direct confrontation, demonstrating political maturity and adhering to Islamic values of respect and dignity.
The youth emphasized their recognition of Senator Buba’s substantial contributions to the community, highlighting his impactful initiatives that have positively affected the lives of many across the three senatorial districts in Bauchi State. His efforts span various sectors, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian services.
They called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Governor Bala Mohammed’s actions.
The Assembly also referenced a recent incident in the Toro Local Government area, where the Governor again unjustly threatened the traditional council concerning Senator Buba and vowed to undermine him politically.
These ongoing political attacks reflect the Governor’s anxiety over Senator Buba’s growing acceptance and support among the constituents and the broader Bauchi State populace.
The Northern Youth Assembly asserted that the Governor’s calculated attempts to discredit Senator Buba stem from a fear of losing political support within his party and among his allies nationwide. They characterized the Governor’s mission to dismantle Senator Buba’s political standing as fundamentally misguided and destined to fail.
They firmly believe that such politically motivated schemes are designed to distract the public from issues of mismanagement and corruption within the state government, which they claim has devolved into a family-run enterprise favoring only a select few for government contracts and services.
The youth lamented the current administration’s disregard for the needs and wishes of the people of Bauchi State, which they view as a troubling hallmark of the present government.
“Senator Shehu Buba, a Fulani by ethnicity, is committed to humanitarian service irrespective of background. He is also a respected member of the Miyetti Allah Fulani Association. We reject any form of ethnic profiling based on tribal affiliation, as it is misleading and a violation of human rights. We are all Nigerians with the right to engage with one another, abiding by our laws and universally accepted norms,” the group concluded.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated the newly elected executive members of the party in the North-East zone.
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who inaugurated the members on Monday in Bauchi, tasked them to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor said that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has failed Nigerians, hence the leadership of the PDP must develop strategies to enable it to wrestle power and meet the aspirations of the electorate.
“The APC has failed to deliver on its promises instead created more hardship for Nigerians and deepened poverty.
“It is time for a change, and the PDP is poised to reclaim the hopes and dreams of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He urged the new party executives to recognise the enormous responsibilities on their shoulders, stressing that, “they are the vanguard of change in the region.”
According to Mohammed, the next general election is not just about political power but the future of children, security, and overall wellbeing of Nigerians.
While assuring support to the party, Mohammed charged the leadership of the party to be change makers, leading with integrity, compassion and dedication to the people.
Responding, the Zonal Chairman of the party, Babangida Umar promised to work collectively to achieve the desired objectives. (NAN)
…I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
….Ex-Rivers LG Chairmen handover
The 27 members of Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule on Monday issued a 48 hours ultimatum to Governor Similanayi Fubara to present the 2025 state appropriation bill.
The development comes after the supreme judgement ordered Martins Amaewhule and the 26 other members of the Assembly loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to resume sitting as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The 48 hours ultimatum was issued by the lawmakers during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Governor Fubara had on January 2nd , 2025 signed N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after it was presented to the Victor Oko Jumbo led 4 member house of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had in a state wide broadcast on Sunday said that he would implement the supreme court judgement without reservation after studying the content of the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgement.
In the meantime there is heavy security presence at the GRA Assembly quarters where the lawmakers use as their temporary chambers.
I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured his supporters that victory is inevitable, despite the political challenges in the state.
He assured the immediate past council chairmen in attendance that there was no reason for concern.
Before addressing the crowd, Fuubara opened his speech with a passage from the Holy Bible, Philippians 3:18-19, emphasizing faith and resilience in the face of challenges.
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things,” the governor read.
“Despite everything, victory is sure,” he declared, stating that the struggle is not just about winning but about standing for truth and fighting gallantly.
Governor Fubara declared that the era of deception in Rivers State is over, emphasizing that the state is now determined to take control of its destiny.
While reaffirming his commitment to peace, Fubara stated that when the time comes, the necessary decisions will be made in the best interest of the state.
“I am not afraid of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office,” he said, underscoring his resolve to stand by his principles.
Addressing the youth, the governor assured them that at the right time, they would receive the necessary direction.
While reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling which nullified the local government elections and also ordered that the Martin Amaewhule-led group resume sitting, the governor maintained that the future holds greater promise than the past.
He pledged to complete his tenure with honour and integrity, ensuring that his decisions remain defensible.
Fubara also emphasized the need to counter political propaganda with evidence of purposeful governance, citing the ongoing inauguration of state projects as a testament to his administration’s commitment to progress.
He stated that the newly commissioned project was designed to enhance work efficiency among public servants in government houses.
Cross River chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has objected to the recall of the suspended state Chairman of the party, Mr Venatius Ikem, by the National Working Committee (NWC).
This is contained in a statement issued by the state Secretary of the party, Mr Anthony Edako, on Monday in Calabar.
The party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) insisted that the chairman remained suspended until NWC and stakeholders met to decide otherwise.
According to the party, any purported decision to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having an expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint is null and void.
“We have been made aware of a letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by the national organising secretary reinstating the suspended state chairman.
“We wish to state categorically state that this letter is null and void, as it did not emanate from the proper channel having the authority to write such a letter,” the statement said.
The party said that only the national chairman and national secretary were authorised to write such a letter.
“So, the national oganising secretary overstepped his bounds, and his actions are consequently deemed ultra-vires,” it said.
The secretary recalled that on Nov. 20, 2024, NWC dismissed the suspension of the chairman of Cross River Chapter of PDP, Venatius Ikem, which was made on Nov. 15, 2024.
“The reason for the dismissal of the suspension was communicated to the SEC of the party.
“Consequently, the SEC of the party, on Nov. 22, 2024, suspended the state chairman based on the recommendation of the disciplinary committee of the state and communicated same to the national,” he said.
He further stated that SEC was invited by the NWC and after deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that NWC should convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River to determine Ikem’s fate.
“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River has not been convened yet.
“The meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair and in line with our party’s constitution,” he said.
The secretary said that any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having the expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint was, therefore, null and void.
He urged party members and stakeholders to disregard the said letter and continue to recognise the suspended chairman as such. (NAN)