The Bauchi Emirate Council has officially stripped Senator Shehu Umar Buba of his traditional title, ‘Majidadin Bauchi’, while accusing him of disrespect towards Governor Bala Mohammed.
Senator Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bauchi State is governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Governor Bala Mohammed. The political tension between Buba and Mohammed has now extended into traditional matters.
The Emirate Council’s decision comes in response to recent comments made by Senator Buba. During the #EndBadGovernance protests, Governor Mohammed criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech, labeling it as empty and ineffective in addressing the nation’s issues. In defence of the president, Buba publicly disagreed with the governor, suggesting that Mohammed’s critiques were out of line.
Buba also accused Governor Mohammed of mismanaging federal aid meant for the people of Bauchi State. He alleged that the governor had not distributed important supplies, including 70 trucks of guinea corn, 70 trucks of fertilizer, and 20 trucks of rice donated by the Federal Government. These accusations were aimed at highlighting what he described as the governor’s failure to address the state’s hardships effectively.
The senator detailed his criticism of Mohammed’s handling of state affairs, including allegations that the governor had mismanaged substantial federal funds allocated to Bauchi State. He questioned the governor’s use of over N144 billion received from the Federation Account in 2023 and an additional N47 billion from January 2024 to date, highlighting the public’s complaints about economic hardship.
However, Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Mohammed, has refuted these claims. According to Gidado, the donated items are being prepared for distribution and are intended to reach the people free of charge. He stated that a committee, chaired by the Emir of Jama’are, has been set up to oversee the distribution process.
In response to Senator Buba’s remarks, the Bauchi Emirate Council held a meeting on August 14, 2024, chaired by the Emir of Bauchi. The council deliberated on the senator’s actions and decided to withdraw his traditional title. The letter announcing this decision, signed by Nasiru Musa on behalf of the Emirate’s Secretary, cited Buba’s alleged disrespect and humiliation of the governor as the reasons for the action. The council emphasizsed that such behavior is inconsistent with the Emirate’s cultural and traditional values.
Meanwhile, the senator has advised the emirate council to avoid political interference and maintain its traditional integrity. In a letter dated August 14, 2024, Senator Buba expressed his surprise and disappointment over the Emirate Council’s action.
Buba’s letter highlighted his stance on the matter: “My remarks were well-intentioned and in defense of a higher authority than a Governor’s. I regret that the Bauchi Emirate Council hastily concluded this matter without affording me a fair hearing.” He further expressed his acceptance of the council’s decision in good faith and hoped for a positive change in Bauchi State in the future.
Nevertheless, he urged the council to remain focused on its traditional responsibilities rather than being swayed by political interests. Buba also extended his prayers for the long reign of the Emir of Bauchi, wishing for his continued good health and effective leadership.
