Bauchi:Senator Buba slams Governor Bala after chieftaincy withdrawal
By Caroline Ameh Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the withdrawal of his chieftaincy title of Mujaddadin Bauchi for allegedly insulting the state Governor Bala Mohammed. In a letter addressed to the Emir of Bauchi, Senate Committee Chairman of National Security and Intelligence, expressed his shock at their decision, noting that he adheres to a policy of constructive criticism, refraining from the use of insulting or abusive language. Umar said his response to Bala’s “disparaging comments about President Bola Tinubu” was aimed at defending the Nigerian leader against what he perceived as “calculated attempts to tarnish his reputation and sow public discord that could threaten national security.” The lawmaker argued that the governor’s rhetoric was “confrontational, accusatory, abusive, and defamatory,” including “emotive language aimed at threatening national security”, and accused him of abusing the people of Bauchi several occasions. Senator Umar lamented that though the state government received over N144 billion from the Federation Account in 2023 and more than N47 billion from January to date, the effect of the huge allocation has not been felt by the people. The statement reads: “I received with utter shock a letter dated August 14, 2024, informing me of the Bauchi Emirate Council’s decision to withdraw my traditional title of Mujaddadin Bauchi. This decision was made over an allegation that I insulted Governor Bala Mohammed during a rally. “Meanwhile, I must state that during a recent APC campaign flag-off, I responded to the Governor’s disparaging comments about the President, which I felt were calculated to expose the President to public contempt and disaffection. “In some of the multimedia contents that have gone viral, the Governor’s rhetoric is confrontational, accusatory, abusive and defamatory. Some of the emotive language including President Tinubu of “lying to us,” “deception,” “causing pain,” “anger and hunger” to appeal to emotions. “While the allegations by Governor Bala of PDP against President Tinubu of APC are politically motivated, most of them are baseless, unsubstantiated, lacking concrete data and evidence and barefaced falsehood. “In my response to Governor Bala’s accusation against President Tinubu, I pointed out the following: I refuted his claim that the Tinubu-led Administration abused the office, instead I accused the Governor of abusing people in Bauchi State. “I disclosed that Governor Bala received over N144 billion from the Federation Account in 2023 and over N47 billion from January to date, with a projected N195 billion by the end of 2024. I asked him to justify how he manages the treasury as citizens are crying of hunger. “I added that President Tinubu was doing all that is possible to secure the nation, stabilise the economy and ensure peaceful coexistence without polarizing the polity unlike Governor Bala. My remarks were well-intentioned and in defense of a higher authority than a Governor’s. “I register my sympathy with the Bauchi Emirate Council for hastily drawing a conclusion on this matter without affording me fair hearing. I accept their decision in good faith, hoping that in due time, Almighty Allah will send a messiah to Bauchi State to correct this situation. “I advise the Bauchi Emirate Council to resist any attempt by political actors to drag it into the political arena, serving their selfish interests. I pray for the long reign of the Emir of Bauchi in sound health, effectively piloting the affairs of his Emirate.”
Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters In Bauchi
The #endbadgovernance protest in Bauchi State has been disrupted as police fired tear gas at protesters.
Appeal Court Judgement: Police Ban Street Celebrations In Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has taken a decisive step to forestall potential unrest in anticipation of the impending judgment from the Court of Appeal on the gubernatorial election petition. The Police Spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, emphasized the ban on street celebrations, roadblocks, and provocative statements by political party supporters. Scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023, the judgment has led to the prohibition of all rallies or celebratory gatherings linked to the Gubernatorial Election Petition. SP Ahmed Wakil highlighted the directive’s aim to prevent any potential disruptions or tensions between supporters of the ruling party, represented by Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, and the opposition party, with its flag bearer, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar (rtd). While recognizing the right to celebrate, Wakil emphasized the importance of supporters abiding by the law. He emphasized that celebratory activities should not infringe upon the rights of others and urged compliance with legal provisions. He explicitly warned against road blockades, fireworks, inciting remarks, or attempts to intimidate the opposition party. The Police Command made it clear that any individual or group found violating the order or causing a breach of peace would face the consequences without hesitation. “Moreover, the blissful supporters must comport themselves in line with the provisions of the law; blockage of roads, fireworks, and inciting utterances or blackmailing the opposition party would not be condoned,” he said.
Police arrest 5 suspects for various crimes in Bauchi
The Police Command in Bauchi State has arrested five suspects of various crimes ranging from armed robbery, burglary to phone snatching in the state The Spokesperson of the command, SP Ahmed Wakil, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Bauchi. He said the five suspects were arrested for committing different offenses in different parts of the state. “Our operatives arrested 24 years old Umar Abubakar AKA (Barbertov) with a dangerous weapon, who trespassed into the victim’s house situated at Kandahar Area of Bauchi and attempted to steal the victim’s Jincheng motorcycle AX 100 model. “The police also arrested two suspects, all armed with Dane-gun and cutlass, who had stormed their victim’s residence on July 31 at about 2300 hrs and demanded money. “The command also arrested two suspects, Usman Musa, 18, aka Kan Daki of Gwallameji, and Usama Sulaiman, 18, aka Keya of Birshi Gandu for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, causing grievous hurt and receiving stolen property,” Wakil said. He said the command recovered exhibits that included Jincheng motorcycle AX 100 model, machetes, Dane guns, axe, knives, cutlasses, stick laptops, and different models of phones, among others. The Spokesperson said the investigation revealed that the suspects belonged to a notorious group that specialized in terrorising innocent citizens’ houses within Bauchi metropolis and robbing them of valuables. Wakil said the suspects, during the investigation, confessed to their crimes, adding that they were currently cooperating with the detectives in mentioning some of their accomplices. He said the suspects would be profiled and charged in court without delay. Wakil said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Auwal Muhammad, lauded the efforts of the operatives for their unrelenting commitment and professionalism in discharging their statutory duties to curb all forms of criminality in the state.