Senator Shehu Umar Buba who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District has described an allegation of supporting banditry by Governor Bala Mohammed as baseless, fabricated, and malicious.

The Senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, asserted that he will not be intimidated by such claims.

Buba in a statement by his media aide Hassan Gajin Duguri, described the governor’s petition to President Tinubu as “both laughable and regrettable.”

He criticized Governor Mohammed for consistently insulting and attacking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while allegedly inciting citizens against the Federal Government.

Senator Buba emphasized that “Governor Mohammed not only orchestrated the withdrawal of Senator Buba’s chieftaincy title but also employed political proxies to undermine his standing within the state. Such underhanded tactics reveal the governor’s desperation, and the senator refuses to be intimidated.”

According to the governor’s letter, one Abubakar Idris, a suspected bandit, and Zainab Aliyu Gado were registered to perform the pilgrimage through a supposed Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Shehu Buba, named Yahaya Ibrahim.

Additionally, the aide stated, “We are aware that Hajiya Zainab Ali was thoroughly screened and permitted to perform Hajj, whereas Abubakar Idris was arrested for further investigation without any interference from the senator’s office.

“As Chairman of a crucial Senate committee, Senator Buba has actively championed initiatives aimed at counter-insurgency and anti-banditry, which are beginning to yield positive results.”

Highlighting the governor’s ongoing attacks, he said, “Governor Bala Mohammed has waged a political war against Senator Buba and others who dare to question his leadership style and arrogance.”

“Senator Buba remains resolute in denying these baseless allegations and reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents and ensuring the security of the nation.

“He is known for positively impacting the well-being of his constituency by providing scholarships, facilitating skills acquisition, and empowering youth and women.

“Additionally, he is recognized for his contributions to infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and the provision of social amenities and palliatives to mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal, among other commendable initiatives.”