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.
