By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Muslim Parliament has strongly condemned smear campaigns against Senator Shehu Buba Umar, describing it as character assassination attempts aimed at undermining his contributions to national security and development.
Addressing a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Bauchi, Chairman of the Parliament, Engr. Ahmad Yusuf said that Senator Shehu Buba as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security and National Intelligence that requires utmost trust and integrity, would not play politics or betray the trust of discharging the responsibilities of his office.
He said that the vision and role of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Security and National Intelligence is worthy of commendation, stressing that at this critical period of the nation’s development, Senator Shehu Buba has demonstrated capacity and understanding on the dynamics and interplay in security matters as well as the political will to contribute in driving the system to a success story.
“We note with admiration, the workable measures Senator Shehu Buba initiates and puts in place with the help of the government security and intelligence structures to check conflicts, disputes, banditry and all other associated security threats involving arms and wanton killings through strategic communication of dialogue and engagement”
” This has manifested in the public domain in the form of a framework for a peaceful coexistence between local farming communities and pastoralist groups, individuals, distinct communities, economic interest groups, political constituencies, religious divisions, dialogue with bandits, and other human divides. We are certain that, by way of persuasive communication strategies, the nation could be on a pathway to addressing insecurity not just through military might, but more importantly through dialogue, economic empowerment, and community reconciliation, which has worked effectively in the Niger Delta region”
“As members and stakeholders from his constituency, we bear witness that as a respected and accomplished leader, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has consistently demonstrated his commitment to national security, development and the well-being of his constituents. His shining political antecedents has earned him public recognition, respect and dignity, thereby demonstrating his dedication and commitment in serving the people and contributing to the development and growth of the nation”
“Therefore, allegations, accusations and smear campaigns against Senator Shehu Buba Umar are a clear example of character assassination and an attempt to distract people from his achievements and undermine the trust his constituents have placed in him, and thus, depriving the nation of his invaluable contribution in the field he has so far shown clear understanding of the dynamics at interplay, and fine political and leadership attributes to champion the dreamed course” he said
Also speaking, Dr. Hamza Abubakar, a member of the Bauchi State Muslim Parliament, noted that past dialogue efforts have yielded positive results, citing Kaduna as an example where agreements have led to peaceful coexistence.
“If this is the result, why can’t we allow the initiator of this dialogue to continue and apply the same methodology in other parts of the country for peaceful coexistence?” Dr. Abubakar said