By Hassan Ibrahim
A political pressure group, Bauchi Forum of Gentlemen (BAFOG) has described allegations and misleading narratives suggesting any ties between the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba Umar with the notorious Bandit Bello Turji, as false, mischievous, and politically crafted lie.
An online media Sahara Reporters had reported that the Senator is facing mounting criticism over a series of controversies, including an alleged peace deal with wanted terror kingpin Bello Turji, allegations of fuelling religious tension in Plateau State and past claims of sponsoring wanted bandits to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Coordinator BAFOG Malam Ibrahim Yakubu Muhid, who address a press conference in Friday Bauchi, saying, BAFOG deems it necessary to offer its perspective on the latest round of sinister campaign to damage the reputation, growing popularity, and public acceptability of Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar of Bauchi South Senatorial District with the 2027 election (where he is expected to play a major role in mind) is drawing closer by the day.
The Coordinator explained, "Before venturing into our response proper on the latest false campaign, frivolous, mischievous and totally unreasonable campaign, we wish to remind ourselves that not long ago, a similar untruthful and politically motivated allegation was brought to national attention, same disgruntled elements and their pay masters."
Muhid said that It is against this background and while recognizing Senator Buba’s right to take any proper and lawful action on the false report by Sahara Reporters linking him with the wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji and also claiming that he demolished a church in Plateau State and built a masjid in its place. As a collective duty we are compelled by the rebellious and investigation falsehood to set the record straight at least by stating the obvious as a matter of credible, verifiable, and the truth.
Muhid noted that by Senator Shehu Buba’s background, training, political experience, lifetime achievements, and current position of national importance in the 10th Senate (Chairman Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence he does not and could not have any link whatsoever with any criminal element by whatever name called or profile associated with him or her.
He said that It is a public record and knowledge that, with his views, contributions, efforts, and sacrifices towards attaining peace and bringing an end to the insecurity affecting many parts of Northern Nigeria—a struggle he has been patriotically involved in even before his election to the 10th Senate. He deserves our commendation but not the propagated condemnation by the likes of last calumny in the Sahara media.
Muhid further explained, "We therefore restate the fact with emphasis that, false allegations and misleading narratives suggesting any ties between the society and politically discrediting Senator Buba, with the Bandit Turji, or any criminal would again come and pass for the hollow, empty, mischievous, and politically crafted lie.
"On the allegation of church demolition and building of a masjid in its place in Plateau State as the Sahara Reporters falsely and libelliously published, nothing can be farther from the truth than that.
The Coordinator said that the allegation is totally false, does not have any semblance or iota of truth, and it is yet another example of using religion, given its sensitivity in Nigerian affairs, to drag Senator Buba’s hard-earned reputation into the mud so that a wedge will be put between him and the cordial relationship he enjoys with our Christian counterparts, especially as 2027 draws near.
"As with all other issues, let us seek the truth always and live by it. Those in Plateau state can bear witness to the fact that no muslim no matter how strong he might be can come to the state and demolish a property such as a church and build successfully in its place a mosque. This is indeed laughable by itself and says the least of the publisher's ignorance of land laws and socio-cultural context of the place under review.
Muhid said, "We are praying for him and, based on his good intentions, concern for especially the well-being of the common man and his performance so far, we can see him succeeding in 2027 and beyond. In fact, we are solidly behind him in this regard. He has our support for all the excellent work he has been doing."
Muhid stressed, "We wish to admonish politicians, media practitioners, scholars, clerics, and members of the public as a whole to always be mindful, watchful, and truthful in what they say or report about one another. For clerics in particular, we refer to verse 5 in Chapter 49 of the Holy Qur’an, where Allah (SWT) said.
"The lesson in this verse which is equally provided in the Christian religion should be our guide in everything we do.
May God help us to always live by the truth and may we have more good leaders like Senator Shehu Buba Umar for Bauchi State come 2027 and beyond.”
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