Photo: Senator Shehu Umar Buba
By Mahiru Maiwada Wundi
The recent spate of sensational and unsubstantiated media attacks targeting Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, is yet another desperate attempt by political opponents to smear his name and undermine his service to Nigeria.
These coordinated fabrications, ranging from unfounded claims of “terrorist links” to baseless allegations of religious intolerance, are not only false but also dangerous to national unity. Here’s why:
On the alleged link to Bello Turji: The suggestion that Senator Buba is aligned with wanted terror suspect Bello Turji is nothing but wicked and malicious fabrication. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Buba has been a consistent advocate for decisive counterterrorism measures, enhanced intelligence coordination, and the defeat of armed criminal networks.
He has sponsored and supported legislation that strengthens the legal and operational framework for tackling insurgency, banditry, and other security threats. It is rather very absurd to accuse a man at the forefront of anti-terror policy of collaborating with the very criminals he has spent years helping the nation combat. No credible security agency has ever linked him to Turji or any terror group, and that’s because no such link exists.
The allegation that Sen Buba is religious bigot who demolished a church in order to build a Mosque is to say the least, mendacious and mischievous. It is a deliberate distortion aimed at inciting religious sentiments. There is no evidence – documentary, photographic, or testimonial – to support this inflammatory claim.
The Senator’s track record reflects respect for all faiths, as evidenced by his sponsorship of interfaith community projects, scholarships for both Christian and Muslim students, and support for joint community peace initiatives. Religious coexistence has been a cornerstone of his public service. As a matter of fact, most of his close aides are Christians! Those who seek to paint him otherwise are exploiting Nigeria’s sensitive religious fault lines for political gain.
On the alleged sponsorship of bandits to hajj, it is noteworthy that this recycled accusation had been previously investigated and found baseless. The named individuals were screened by the appropriate security agencies, and in the one case where a person was arrested, Senator Buba neither intervened nor obstructed due process.
Suffice it to say therefore that this attempt to twist his charitable support for pilgrims into a criminal conspiracy is both cynical and dishonest.
Senator Buba without doubt enjoys the trust and confidence of his people. This is because in just a little more than two years in the saddle, the senator has distinguished himself as one whose mission at the Senate is to provide quality, people-centric representation. The portrayal of an isolated political protest in Toro as evidence of broad rejection ignores the Senator’s numerous constituency projects and interventions, including road rehabilitation, borehole construction, youth empowerment schemes, educational sponsorships, and healthcare support.
In a dynamic democracy, disagreement is normal, but it is dishonest to weaponize such moments to erase years of tangible contributions.
Senator Buba’s real record in National Security is monumental and pivotal.
Under his leadership, the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence has been able to accomplish the following:
– Pushed for increased funding and modernization of the armed forces and intelligence services
– Advocated improved border control measures to curb arms smuggling and cross-border banditry.
– Supported legislative reforms enhancing coordination among security agencies.
– Engaged with community leaders and security experts to develop sustainable counter-insurgency strategies.
– Provided backing for the non-kinetic approach in the counter insurgency operations which brought stability to areas challenged by insecurity including Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, and so on.
Far from undermining security, Senator Buba has helped craft policies that strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to protect its people.
The calculated lies being peddled about Senator Shehu Buba are designed to tarnish his reputation, weaken his political standing, and distract from his achievements. Nigerians, particularly his constituents, should see these attacks for what they are: desperate political hatchet jobs.
The Senator remains focused on his mandate: serving the people of Bauchi South with integrity, championing national security, and fostering unity across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
– Mahiru Maiwada Wundi PhD, wrote from Bauchi.
