I Accept My Removal As Mujaddadin Bauchi In Good Faith – Senator Shehu Umar
By Khalid Idris Doya
The senator representing Bauchi South, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has advised the Bauchi Emirate Council to resist any attempt by political actors to drag it into the political arena, serving their selfish interests.
Buba said he received with utmost surprise a letter dated August 14, 2024, informed him that Bauchi Emirate Council’s decision to withdraw his traditional title of Mujaddadin Bauchi based on an allegation that insulted Governor Bala Mohammed during a recent campaign rally.
According letter addressed to Bauchi Emirate Council on Thursday, expressed his regret that the Bauchi Emirate Council hastily withdraw his title without give him a fair hearing.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar who is chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence stated this in a response to Emirates decision, said he accepted his removal in good faith.
He said: “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.
“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.”
“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,” Buba added.
The senator also 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.
“I disclosed that Governor Bala had received over 144 billion Naira from the Federation Account in 2023 and over 47 billion Naira from January to date, with a projected 195 billion Naira by the end of the year, and I questioned the use of these funds.
“I pointed out that Governor Bala’s accusations against President Tinubu were baseless and motivated by political interests.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,” Buba said.
Buba 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.