The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abubakar Y. Suleiman has criticized Senator Shehu Buba, member representing Bauchi South, for his unwarranted attack on Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad. Senator Buba had recently faulted the Governor’s comments on the severe economic hardships afflicting Nigerians as a result of the federal government’s failed policies.
In a pointed response, Speaker Suleiman asserted that Senator Buba lacks the moral standing to challenge Governor Muhammad, who was merely voicing the concerns of the suffering populace. He noted that the Governor’s remarks accurately reflect the dire realities faced by citizens, including those in Bauchi State, who are grappling with the effects of poorly conceived federal policies.
Speaker Suleiman reminded Senator Buba of the proverb, “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” hence, Sen Buba, who rode on the back of Governor Bala to attain political ascendancy and with unresolved allegations against him, weakened his credibility to challenge the Governor.
Addressing Senator Buba’s claims about federal intervention to Bauchi, Speaker Suleiman accused him of spreading misinformation. Contrary to the Senator’s assertions, only 41 trucks of grains were received in the state and were equitably distributed by a committee set up by the Federal Government through the supervision of the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Additionally, a committee led by the Emir of Jama’are is overseeing the distribution of the 70 trucks of fertilizer sent by the Federal Government contrary to Buba’s misleading statements.
The speaker also questioned Senator Buba’s perspective on the current economic crisis, asking if the Senator truly believes there is no hardship in Nigeria. He urged the Senator to stop downplaying the suffering of the people and to acknowledge the real causes of the crisis, which stems from the Federal Government’s policies, including the unpopular removal of the Petroleum Subsidy.
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Suleiman called on Senator Buba to cease spreading falsehoods and to focus on providing constructive feedback that would aid in improving governance. He emphasized the importance of unity among leaders in tackling the state’s and nation’s economic challenges, urging collaboration rather than political mudslinging.
On the Senator’s claim that the hardship in Bauchi is caused by the Governor of Bauchi State; is the astronomical hike on the prices of commodities in the markets caused by the Governor? What about the Naira devaluation? What of the continuous high price of fuel, the unbearable long queues, the scarcity of fuel? Are they all caused by the Governor?. He should bear in mind that Federal Government failed to address the above despite having ample advises and how best to tackle the issues given by experts for long.
Finally, Speaker Suleiman reaffirmed the transparency and accountability of Governor Bala Muhammad’s administration, particularly in the equitable distribution of federal Government’s aid. He called on Senator Buba to support the State Government’s efforts in mitigating the adverse impacts of Federal policies on the residents of Bauchi and beyond.
