The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Bauchi State Chapter has condemned allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to banditry, an accusation attributed to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The youth group labeled the claims as part of a politically motivated attempt to tarnish the senator’s image and expressed concern over the governor’s diminishing political relevance.
According to the group’s press statement,signed by Comrade Muhammad Hussain, the group’s chairman in Bauchi said
they believe Governor Mohammed has long waged a “political war” against Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South, in a series of actions aimed at damaging his career. The group cited instances where the governor allegedly sought to undermine the senator’s influence, including during a recent local government election campaign in Bauchi.
The youth assembly also referenced a previous confrontation between the two politicians over palliatives distributed by the state government. In addition, they highlighted the governor’s role in influencing the withdrawal of the senator’s traditional title, Mujaddadin Bauchi, conferred by the Bauchi Emirate Council.
According to comrade Hussain said the group emphasized Senator Buba’s contributions to various sectors, including education and healthcare, and his growing popularity across Bauchi State.
Comrade Muhammad also accused the governor of being threatened by the senator’s increasing political influence and accused the state government of corruption and mismanagement of public resources.
The Northern Youth Assembly also raised concerns about the recent online allegations of Sen. Shehu Buba’s involvement with bandits in Zamfara state. The group urged security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to handle the allegations with care, dismissing them as baseless. They pointed to Senator Buba’s role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, arguing that his work with security agencies contradicts any involvement with criminal elements.
The youth group further called on anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate financial irregularities in the Bauchi State government, specifically regarding contract awards and alleged misappropriations in the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
