From ABBAS GUNGURA, Bauchi
A Bauchi-based youth group, Bauchi Youth Discussion Circle (BYDC), has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an independent investigation into allegations of terrorism financing involving Senator Shehu Umar Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District.
The group made the demand at a press briefing in Bauchi over the weekend, saying allegations bordering on national security should be subjected to proper investigation rather than debated or politicised on social media.
Chairman of BYDC, Mohammed Sani Hassan, said the group was not seeking to convict Buba through the media but wanted the allegations established or dismissed through due process.
“We are not declaring Senator Shehu Umar Buba guilty, and we are not asking anyone to convict him through the media,” Hassan said.
He urged Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to direct the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to conduct what the group described as a credible, impartial, transparent and professional investigation.
Hassan said the investigation should establish whether the allegations were true, determine what evidence existed and assess any possible national security implications.
The group also called for adequate protection for the accuser, identified simply as Hassan, and urged that he be allowed to return to Nigeria to make a formal statement and present any evidence to the appropriate authorities.
“If his allegations are genuine, he should have the opportunity to present his evidence before competent authorities.
“If they are false or deliberately fabricated, the appropriate authorities should determine the circumstances and take action as permitted by law,” Hassan said.
He stressed that the demand for an investigation was not directed at securing any predetermined outcome against the senator.
“If, after a proper investigation, credible evidence establishes that Senator Shehu Umar Buba has committed any offence, he must face the law like every other Nigerian, regardless of his political position or connections. No politician should be above the law,” he said.
Hassan also cautioned politicians against using security matters for political purposes, saying insecurity affected Nigerians regardless of their political affiliation.
“Security is not APC. Security is not PDP. Security is not Labour. Security is not ADC. Security belongs to every Nigerian. The lives and properties of ordinary citizens are involved,” he said.
He said residents of Bauchi and other parts of Northern Nigeria were watching the matter closely, particularly families affected by insecurity.
Hassan warned that failure to properly address serious security allegations could undermine public confidence in government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
BYDC said the allegations should neither be ignored nor used to damage Buba’s reputation without evidence, insisting that investigation, evidence and due process remained the appropriate way forward.