Allegations Against Bauchi Gov, Wife, Son, Chief Judge by Sowore are baseless, says – Group
By Umar Moh’d
A group known as Bauchi Concerned Group (BCG), have described the allegations made against Governor Bala Mohammad, his wife, son as well as the Chief Judge of the State as baseless and untrue.
The group speaking through its spokesperson, Nasir Abdullahi during a press conference held at the NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi over the weekend, issue an ultimatum to activist, Omoyele Sowore and his co-conspirators to immediately retract the false and defamatory statements made against the Bauchi State Government, the First Lady, son of the Governor, Engr. Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, and other officials or face legal action.
The group also demanded for a public apology through the same media platforms used to spread the falsehood, declaring that, “Failure to do so will leave them with no option but to pursue appropriate legal action to protect the integrity and reputation of the individuals and Institutions involved in the false accusations.
“Let it be known that we will not sit idly while malicious actors attempt to derail the progress being made in Bauchi State through smear campaigns and propaganda. The people of Bauchi deserve the truth and the truth shall always prevail.” Group said
The group described as unfounded and misleading, the allegations made by Mr. Omoyele Sowore against Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, Engr Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, Hon Chief Judge of Bauchi State and others.
“These spurious claims, clearly sponsored by enemies of progress, aim to malign the image of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, whose unprecedented developmental strides ara transforming Bauchi State into a modern model city, unparalleled in the state’s history.”
“It is essential to state clearly and unequivocally that Mr. Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed acted within his constitutional rights by seeking judicial redress against Dr. Abubakar Ahmad. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), under Section 37, guarantees every citizen the right to private and family life,” It stated.
It added that, “This includes the privacy of one’s home, correspondence, telephone conversations, and other forms of communications. 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.” Group added
It further stated that,”Mr. Shamsuddeen merely filed a suit for defamation, intimidation, and injurious falsehood against his person, the action that resulted to the decision to remand Dr. Abubakar in custody pending trial was made by the Magistrate Court-not Mr. Shamsuddeen. Sowore’s attempt to conflate a civil complaint with executive detention is misleading and dishonest.”
On the issue of bail denial by Justice Kawu Yarima, the group stated that,”Mr. Sowore should be reminded 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. Public outbursts and baseless attacks on the judiciary, however, do not advance the cause of justice,” The group stated.
The group added that the attack on Hon. Justice Rabi Talatu Umar is both uninformed and disrespectful as the Nigerian Constitution under Section 43 grants every citizen, including judicial officers to seek for redress before court of law
According to the group, “Displaying a mere site plan and application for the grant on social media does not amount to evidence of wrongdoing. It is irresponsible for Mr. Sowore to insinuate that land allocation to Justice Umar without any credible evidence amounts to bribery. Such reckless commentary undermines public confidence in our judicial institutions and disrespects the separation of powers enshrined in our constitutional democracy.”
The group urged Mr. Sowore and his associates to desist from the unwarranted attacks and allow the judicial process to take its course, stressing that allegations must be supported by facts, not conjecture or sensationalism. If he believes any miscarriage of Justice has occurred, let him seek redress through the courts, not social media. The Judiciary must be respected as the impartial arbiter.”
On the First Lady’s farmland, the group stated that categorically there is absolutely nothing illegal or unethical about the First Lady acquiring farmland for agricultural purposes. She is like any other citizen, has the constitutional right to engage in lawful economic activity, including farming, saying the acquisition, in question was done transparently and in full compliance with existing land and agricultural Laws.
“If Mr Soware or his sponsors believe otherwise, we challenge them to point out the specific legal provision that prohibits the First Lady from owning farmland in her personal capacity,” The group added.
On Engr. Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, the group stated that, “He is a dynamic and visionary young leader, dedicated to the empowerment of Bauchi youth. His growing popularity and selfless service have evidently unsettled political detractors who cannot reconcile with the fact that he is making a meaningful impact-independent of his father’s office.”
It added that, “The recent attacks on his person are nothing but a cowardly attempt to distract him from his mission of uplifting the youth and contributing to the good governance of Bauchi State.”
