By Khalid Idrid Doya
The legal team representing former Bauchi State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), has defended Abubakar's recent public comments ahead of the forthcoming general elections in the state, insisting they were protected by the Constitution and did not amount to defamation.
Addressing journalists in Bauchi on Monday, the team's secretary, Barrister Alkassim Mohammed, said the former governor's remarks did not refer to any particular individual, arguing that the name "Shehu" is a common name borne by many Nigerians.
According to him, mentioning the single name "Shehu" without any additional identification cannot reasonably be interpreted as referring to a specific person.
The clarification followed a petition reportedly filed by the legal team of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who believes the statement was directed at him.
The petition, reportedly submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, seeks an investigation into the former governor's comments.
Abubakar had, in the controversial remarks, referred to a politician identified only as "Shehu," alleging that the individual lived lavishly beyond his legitimate earnings and should explain the source of his wealth.
Alkassim, however, said the press briefing was not intended as a rebuttal to the petition but to enlighten the public on the legal issues surrounding the matter.
He cited Sections 39 and 45 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, provided such expression does not infringe on the rights of others.
According to him, the statement credited to Abubakar was consistent with the Constitution and did not violate any law.
He also acknowledged that every citizen has the constitutional right to petition the police, adding that the Nigeria Police Force is empowered under the Constitution and the Police Act to receive and investigate complaints.
"I have confidence that the police will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and determine whether the allegations have any legal basis.
"I also wish to refer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, which empowers the anti-graft agency to investigate individuals whose lifestyle appears inconsistent with their legitimate earnings, even in the absence of a formal petition," Alkassim said.
He maintained that the alleged defamatory statement merely mentioned the name "Shehu," which, he argued, was too general to identify any specific individual.
"Shehu is a common name borne by many Nigerians. Mentioning that name alone cannot reasonably be interpreted as referring to a particular person or constitute defamation," he said.
Alkassim urged APC supporters and members of the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference.
He added that the legal team was prepared to honour any invitation from the police, whether in Bauchi or Abuja, to assist with the investigation.
"We have confidence in the rule of law and believe the matter will be resolved through the appropriate legal process," he stated.
The legal team also said it will respond to the petition filed against its principal through the appropriate legal channels once it is officially served.
He reiterated the legal team's confidence that the police would investigate the petition objectively and in accordance with the law, while urging supporters of the former governor to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.
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