Dialogue Does Not Make Senator Buba a Bandit Sponsor – Bauchi Muslim Parliament

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Bauchi Muslim Parliament has dismissed allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, to banditry, stressing that his longstanding role in dialogue and peacebuilding must not be misconstrued as sponsorship of criminal groups.

At a press briefing held at the NUJ Press Centre in Bauchi on Saturday, the Vice Chairman II of the Parliament, Engineer Ahmad Yusuf, described the allegations as baseless, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to distract from the Senator’s achievements.

“Senator Buba has always stood for peace and reconciliation. His engagement with stakeholders is not criminal, but a noble effort to resolve conflicts and restore stability. Will the Nigerian security establishment, with all its professionalism, allow him to be involved in clandestine activities? Certainly not,” Yusuf stated.

The group recalled that Buba’s peace initiatives date back to his tenure as Chairman of Toro Local Government Area during Isa Yuguda’s administration, where he worked with clerics and community leaders to reconcile warring groups.

Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at Federal University, Kashere, Dr. Yusseini, also noted that Senator Buba was part of a committee set up during the Muhammadu Buhari administration to engage groups involved in banditry and facilitate dialogue for peace.

“Military action does not always yielded the desired results, but dialogue has brought peace in other regions like the Niger Delta. Why can’t the same principle be applied in the North-West? Senator Buba’s approach is one of reconciliation, not sponsorship of crime,” Dr Yusseini, a member of the Parliament stressed.

The Parliament emphasized that as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security and National Intelligence, Senator Buba has consistently demonstrated integrity and commitment to national security, development, and the wellbeing of his constituents, including efforts to forestall violence in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

They cautioned against politicizing national security, urging politicians and stakeholders to support peace efforts instead of fueling division through falsehood and inflammatory remarks.

“All citizens should support and pray for peace, rather than spread reckless utterances. Politicians must stop playing politics with the nation’s security,” the Parliament stated.

The group further appealed to the Federal Government to provide relief to victims of banditry and displacement while calling on the media to continue promoting unity and national development through fair and balanced reporting.