By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
Bauchi Concerned Group has threatened legal action against Mr Omoyele Sowore over failure to retract the false and defamatory statements made against the Bauchi State Government, the State First Lady, Engr. Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed and other officials of the state.
Addressing a press conference at the NUJ Secretariat Bauchi, Nasir Abdullahi Chief Convener of the group, described the allegations as unfounded and misleading.
According to the group, “We hereby issue a vigorous ultimatum to Mr. Sowore and his co-conspirators to retract the false and defamatory statements made against the Bauchi State Government, the First Lady, Engr. Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed and other officials.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to pursue the appropriate legal action to protect the integrity and reputation of the individuals and institutions involved”.
The group also asked Sowore to issue a public apology through the same media platforms he used to spread the falsehoods.
The Convener mentioned other officials of the Bauchi state government affected by Sowore’s allegations to include Chief Judge of Bauchi state, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar; state Commissioner of Finance; and Justice Kawu Yarima, adding that the spurious claims were clearly sponsored by enemies of progress, aimed at tarnishing the image of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state.
According to the group, Mohammed’s administration has attained unprecedented developmental strides that are transforming Bauchi State into a modern model city unparalleled in the state’s history.
On the detention of Dr. Abubakar Ahmad, the group said Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed acted within his constitutional rights by seeking judicial redress.
It argued that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), under Section 37, guarantees every citizen the right to private and family life, such as privacy of one’s home, correspondence, telephone conversations and forms of othercommunications.
The group insisted that Dr. Abubakar Ahmad allegedly violated these rights through defamatory and injurious publications, prompting Mr Shamsuddeen – a peace-loving and law-abiding citizen–to pursue a legal remedy, not vengeance.
Sowore
“This decision reflects restraint, responsibility, and faith in the rule of law, It must also be emphasized that resorting to the courts is not a crime.As provided in Section 6 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, the judiciary is empowered to adjudicate disputes relating to civil rights and obligations,” the group said.
He said Mr. Shamsuddeen filed a suit for defamation, intimidation, and injurious falsehood against his person, adding that the decision to remand Dr. Abubakar in custody pending trial was made by the Magistrate Court-not Mr. Shamsuddeen.
The group said Sowore’s attempt to conflate a civil complaint with executive detention is misleading and dishonest.
It further said on the issue of bail denial by Hon. Justice Kawu Yarima, the group reminded Mr Sowore that bail is not a right in all cases, but a discretionary relief granted or refused by a competent court.
“If Dr. Abubakar, Mr. Sowore and their associates are dissatisfied with the bail ruling, they are advised to approach the Court of Appeal in line with due process,” the group said.
The Convener of the Bauchi Concerned Group (BCG) who said public outbursts and baseless attacks on the judiciary do not advance the cause of justice, pointed out that the attack on Hon Justice Rabi Talatu Umar is both uninformed and disrespectful.
