Resist political interference, Senator Buba advises Bauchi Emirate Council

Bauchi Emirate Council in Bauchi state has been advised strongly to resist any attempt by political actors to drag it into the political arena thereby serving their selfish interests.

The advice was given by the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba in response to his removal as the traditional title holder of Mujaddadin Bauchi by the Bauchi Emirate Council on Wednesday.

In the letter of reply dated 14th August 2024, Shehu Umar Buba stated “My remarks were well-intentioned and in defence of a higher authority than a Governor’s. I regret that the Bauchi Emirate Council hastily concluded this matter without affording me a fair hearing.”

He stressed that “I accept their decision in good faith, hoping that Almighty Allah will send a messiah to Bauchi State to correct this situation in due time.”

He also stated, “I advise the Bauchi Emirate Council to resist any attempt by political actors to drag it into the political arena, serving their selfish interests. I pray for the long reign of the Emir of Bauchi in sound health, effectively piloting the affairs of his Emirate.”

The letter reads: “I received with utmost surprise, your letter dated August 14, 2024, informing me of the Bauchi Emirate Council’s decision to withdraw my traditional title of Mujaddadin Bauchi. This decision was made based on an allegation that I insulted Governor Bala Mohammed during a recent campaign rally.”

He wrote, “I wish to categorically state that, since my foray into partisan politics, I have steadfastly adhered to a policy of constructive criticism, refraining from insulting or abusive language. My approach has always been aimed at fostering a better society.”

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According to him, “Upon hearing Governor Bala’s disparaging comments about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I felt a strong duty to defend the President against what I perceived as calculated attempts to tarnish his reputation and sow public discord. I did that during the recent APC campaign flag-off.”

The Senator added that, “Governor Bala’s rhetoric, as captured in various multimedia contents, was confrontational, accusatory, abusive, and defamatory, including emotive language aimed at threatening national security as they appealed to emotions rather than reason.”

“I must emphasize that Governor Bala’s allegations against President Tinubu were politically motivated, baseless, unsubstantiated, and lacking in concrete data and evidence,” he added.

He explained that, In my response: I refuted Governor Bala’s claim that the Tinubu-led Administration abuses office, instead accusing the Governor of abusing people in Bauchi State on several occasions.”

He added, “I disclosed that Governor Bala had received over N144 billion from the Federation Account in 2023 and over N47 billion from January to date, with a projected N195 billion by the end of the year, and I questioned the use of these funds.”

Also, “I pointed out that Governor Bala’s accusations against President Tinubu were baseless and motivated by political interests and I asked Governor Bala to justify how he managed the state’s treasury, given the citizens’ cries of hunger, despite receiving billions of Naira from the Federation Account.”

“I emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to secure the nation, stabilise the economy, and ensure peaceful coexistence without polarizing the polity, unlike Governor Bala,” he stressed.

Shehu Buba, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence concluded stating, “I attached copies of the Governor’s allegations in a Live Programme as well as my response at a campaign rally. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE