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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, to banditry activities.
The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, described the allegations as “too serious to be ignored, dismissed, or allowed to be buried under political, ethnic, or religious sentiments.”
NOSCEF urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to immediately initiate an investigation capable of establishing the truth or otherwise of the allegations.
“This is not a matter that should be handled with political convenience or treated as an issue affecting one individual,” the group said, adding: “It concerns the national security of Nigeria, and nothing must be covered up.”
The elders stressed that Nigerians have a right to know the outcome of any investigation, insisting that national security should take precedence over political, ethnic or religious considerations.
“Nigeria is bigger than any individual, political party, office holder, or institution. Nigerians therefore deserve to know the truth,” NOSCEF said.
In what could further intensify pressure on the senator, NOSCEF called on Shehu Buba to step aside from his legislative responsibilities pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The group said the move would demonstrate accountability and enable security agencies to conduct their work without interference or the perception of political influence.
“In the interest of transparency and to protect the integrity of the National Assembly, NOSCEF calls on Senator Shehu Buba to step aside from his legislative responsibilities pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement read.
“We believe this would be the honourable course of action and would allow the relevant security and investigative agencies to conduct their work without interference or the perception of political influence.”
NOSCEF, however, said the senator should be given an opportunity to clear his name if the allegations are found to be baseless.
