A group known as Concerned Bauchi All Progressives Congress (APC) Youths Forum, has called for transparency and accountability from all gubernatorial candidates in Bauchi State in order to give the electorate a clear vision of who each one of the is.
The Forum made the call through its Chairman, Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, during a press briefing with Journalists in Bauchi.
Though he reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, progress, and sustainable development of Bauchi State, he stressed the need for the political actors to tred the process with utmost caution.
According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to recent public comments and media discussions concerning the business interests of the PRP governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Umar Buba. During the public discourse, an aide to the Senator reportedly stated that he is involved in the mining business, while the former Governor of Bauchi State and APC governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), raised questions regarding the source of the Senator’s wealth and business activities.”
Mohammed Sani Hassan, said, “As a Forum committed to accountability and good governance, we believe that these are legitimate questions that deserve clear and transparent answers. Anyone seeking the mandate of the people to govern Bauchi State, should be opened about their business interests and sources of wealth. Transparency builds public confidence and strengthens democracy.”
According to him,”If Senator Shehu Umar Buba is involved in the mining sector, we encourage him to provide further clarifications on the nature of his business interests, including the names of the companies he is associated with, so that the people of Bauchi State can make informed decisions.”
“We also believe that the next Governor of Bauchi State should be fully committed to the security, peace, and development of the state,” he added.
The Forum Chairman stressed that, “While mining is a lawful economic activity when properly regulated, we are concerned about the security challenges associated with illegal mining in several parts of Nigeria.”
He lamented that, “States such as Zamfara have experienced serious insecurity linked to illegal mining activities and the operations of criminal elements around mining communities. Bauchi State must not be allowed to face similar challenges.”
He then said that, “For this reason, we believe that the people of Bauchi State should carefully consider the background, priorities, and business interests of every governorship candidate.”
According to him, “At a time when security remains one of the most important challenges facing our nation, Bauchi State deserves a Governor whose primary focus is the protection of lives and property, economic growth, and the overall welfare of the people. We therefore urge voters to elect a leader who will give undivided attention to the peace, security, and development of the state.”
” Furthermore, we call on the people of Bauchi State to critically examine the integrity, competence, leadership records, and business interests of all governorship candidates before casting their votes. Every candidate should be held to the same standard of transparency and accountability,” he added.
Mohammed Sani Hassan concluded that,”The Concerned Bauchi APC Youths Forum remains committed to promoting issue-based politics, peaceful campaigns, and democratic values. We urge all political actors to conduct themselves responsibly and to place the interests of Bauchi State above personal ambitions.”
