By Olaide Ayinde
Sen. Shehu Buba representing the Bauchi South Senatorial District has said that he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear while reacting to allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities in the state.
Buba, who stated this in a press conference in Bauchi on Monday, explained that the allegation was an organised politically motivated smear campaign against him in 2024, adding that it had been forcefully debunked through legal action.
It could be recalled that the allegation had recently resurfaced in some social media outlets immediately after the Senator declared his intention to contest for the Bauchi state governorship seat under the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
“The allegations repeatedly circulated against me, claims linking my name to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities-have reached a point where silence is no longer sufficient.
“What began as a politically motivated smear campaign against me in 2024 was forcefully debunked, and I took legal action against those behind it.
“When the falsehood later resurfaced in another form, I formally reported the matter to security agencies, and some of the suspects are currently being prosecuted in the Federal High Court.
“Yet despite these steps, the scandalous allegations have continued unabated, taking a disturbing and unfathomable path,” Buba said.
The Senator, who denied the allegation, affirmed that it didn't touch not only his name, reputation and political career, but also on the security of the country and the public's confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting Nigerians.
“I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation.
“It is for this reason that, through my legal team led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), I have voluntarily submitted myself to the Department of State Services for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into every allegation made against me.
“My lawyers formally wrote to the DSS, DIA and Police requesting that the Services investigate these allegations in the interest of national security and the protection of my reputation and integrity as a Nigerian citizen.
“I am taking this extraordinary step because I do not believe allegations of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping against a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be allowed to remain matters of social-media speculation,” Buba said.
Proving the level of his innocence, Buba challenged any politician, activist, social media influencer, journalist or any other Nigerian that possessed credible evidence that he had sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated or supported bandits, terrorists, kidnappers or any criminal organisation to take the evidence to the relevant security agencies.
He urged those peddling the allegation not to hide behind social media, nor rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations.
The Senator, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, said politics must not become an excuse for destroying people's reputations with allegations of terrorism and other grave crimes, adding that where allegations of criminality are made, they must be supported by evidence and submitted to the appropriate authorities.
According to him, his decision to submit himself for investigation was bigger than politics but it's about accountability and the principle that nobody should be above scrutiny.
“To the security agencies, I pledge my full cooperation. To my accusers, I say clearly: this is your opportunity. Take your evidence to the security services.
“To the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians generally, I assure you that I remain committed to peace, security, justice and the service of our people.
“My conscience is clear. I have nothing to hide. I have voluntarily submitted myself for investigation because the truth should not be afraid of scrutiny,” Buba declared.
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