By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance has called for an independent and impartial investigation into allegations linking the Senator representing Bauchi South, Senator Shehu Umar Buba, to individuals and networks allegedly associated with banditry, kidnapping and terrorism financing.
Spokesperson of the Coalition, Comr. Adedeji M. Abdulsalam, made the call on Wednesday during a press conference in Bauchi to address the allegations trending in the public domain.
Abdulsalam said the Coalition was not declaring the senator guilty, but stressed that the allegations, which border on national security, must be subjected to evidence-based investigation by competent state institutions.
“We are not here to pronounce Senator Shehu Buba guilty of any offence. We frown at the delay in investigation and prosecution over these allegations. These matters cannot be resolved through political statements or social-media arguments,” he said.
He said the Coalition was worried about two risks – that genuine sponsorship of criminal activities could be shielded by political influence, and that unverified allegations could be weaponized to destroy reputations without due process.
According to him, where credible evidence exists that any individual is financing, facilitating, arming, training or supporting bandit groups, such a person should be investigated and prosecuted. Similarly, those who deliberately fabricate allegations should be held accountable.
The Coalition urged Nigerians not to allow the matter to degenerate into ethnic, religious or political division, and urged Senator Buba to cooperate fully with investigators.
“We will neither convict nor exonerate anyone through a press conference. Let the evidence speak. Let the truth be established. Let the law take its course,” Abdulsalam added.
