…over his alleged role in banditry support.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Group, under the auspices ‘Plateau Progressive Movement’ (PPM), has demanded for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Umar Buba, over his alleged role in banditry support.
The Movement also tasked the Senate to relief Senator Buba of his position as Senate Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence.
This was contained in a statement signed by Publicity Secretary of the Movement, Comrade Dachum Daniel Kajang, and made available to our correspondent in Kaduna on Tuesday.
According to the group, the Senator is accused of alleged incitement of violence in the Toro and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State, which has not only led to the loss of innocent lives, but has also instigated a climate of fear and unrest among the community.
“The Plateau Progressive Movement is calling for the immediate relief of Senator Shehu Umar Buba from his chairmanship position as the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
“His continued presence in this role is untenable, given the serious allegations against him. It is imperative that the Senate acts swiftly to restore public confidence in our institutions and demonstrate that no one is above the law,” it stated.
Furthermore, PPM demanded “the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Buba” and argued that the allegations against him are gracious, and warranted thorough investigation.
“As citizens, we have a right to expect that our leaders act with integrity and accountability. Allowing Senator Buba to remain in a position of power, while these serious accusations linger, would send a dangerous message – that, political connections can shield individuals from the consequences of their actions,” the statement added.
According to the statement, titled, ‘Urgent Call for the Arrest and Prosecution of Senator Shehu Umar Buba,’ PPM insisted that it stands resolute in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the sanctity of its communities, and ensuring that justice prevails, in the face of rising insecurity.
“Today, we find ourselves compelled to re-echo the urgent and numerous calls for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Shehu Umar Buba, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
“The gravity of the allegations against him necessitates immediate action, as they threaten the very fabric of our society and the safety of our citizens.
“Recent revelations have shed light on Senator Buba’s alarming involvement with bandits and other criminal elements, casting a long shadow over his role as a leader entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding national security. In the light of these revelations, we cannot remain silent,” they said.
“Such behavior is not only unbecoming of a public servant but also indicative of a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon him by the citizens of Plateau State.
“Eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicate that, Senator Buba has actively engaged with armed groups, including bandits, who have wreaked havoc on our communities.
“Disturbingly, it has come to our attention that he has facilitated the transportation of injured bandit fighters for medical treatment.
“This shocking revelation raises serious ethical questions about his allegiance and underscores the urgent need for accountability. How can a senator, who is expected to champion the interests of his constituents, instead prioritize the welfare of those who perpetrate violence against them?” the statement queried.
They said that moreover, the emergence of a video clip depicting the movement of arms and motorcycles from Senator Buba’s residence to Zamfara has further exacerbated their concerns.
“This blatant disregard for the law and order is not only a direct affront to the citizens of Nigeria but also a stark reminder of the growing nexus between political power and criminal activity.
“The implications of such actions are dire; they embolden criminal elements and undermine the efforts of our security forces, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability to our communities,” they warned.
“The Plateau Progressive Movement reiterated its unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of our communities.
“We urge all relevant authorities to take decisive action against Senator Shehu Umar Buba,” they stressed, warning that the time for complacency has passed.
“We must act now to safeguard our future and ensure that those, who threaten our security, are brought to justice. The citizens of Plateau State deserve nothing less,” they stressed.
Reacting to the allegations when contacted, Special Adviser Media and Communications to the Senator, Comrade Sabo Muhammad, said that the allegations against him “remain unsubstantiated.”
“The unsubstantiated allegation is part of the sponsored campaign to smear his rising political profile and standing in his own state and country at large by some disgruntled elements.
“For this group, all the said allegations are not unfolded, malicious and lack insight into the happenings in Bauchi State and the ongoing non-kinetic approach to end banditry,” he said.
Comrade Sabo Muhammad reiterated that, “If they are truly patriots, genuinely concerned and scientific in the statement, one would have expected them to state one of the alleged person or persons that were hospitalized, the name of the hospital and nature of ailment to buttress the argument.
“Secondly, in Toro and Tafawa Balewa, there is relative peace and, if there is any problem, it has nothing to do with Senator Shehu Buba.
“They should go further to find out, since Plateau is our neighbouring State, insecurity have permeated Plateau State. Thus, this calumny will not deter his responsibility at the Senate, and discharging his responsibility as the only APC Senator in Bauchi State,” he said.