The Bauchi Concerned Group has issued a stern warning to Human rights activist and African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to retract the alleged false and defamatory statements made against the Bauchi State Government, the First Lady, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, and other top state officials.
Addressing a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Secretariat in Bauchi, the group’s Chief Convener, Nasir Abdullahi, described Sowore’s allegations as baseless, misleading, and damaging to the reputation of the individuals involved.
Abdullahi stated, “We are issuing a strong ultimatum to Mr Sowore and his collaborators to immediately retract their false and defamatory claims against the Bauchi State Government, the First Lady, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, and other respected officials,”
“Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take appropriate legal action to safeguard their integrity and the institutions they represent.”
Among those named in the alleged defamation are the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar; the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, and the Commissioner for Justice, Kawu Yarima.
Abdullahi claimed the accusations are the handiwork of enemies of progress seeking to tarnish the image of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration, which he said is driving remarkable development in the state.
Addressing the recent controversy involving Dr. Abubakar Ahmad, the group,defended Shamsuddeen’s decision to seek legal redress, stating that it was well within his constitutional rights.
They referenced Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees every citizen the right to privacy in personal communication and family life.
The group argued that Dr Abubakar’s alleged actions infringed upon these rights through defamatory publications, prompting Engr. Shamsuddeen, a peace-loving and law-abiding citizen to pursue a legal path rather than retaliation.
“This choice reflects a commitment to due process and respect for the rule of law,” the group noted. “Seeking redress through the courts is not a crime. In fact, Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution empowers the judiciary to resolve disputes related to civil rights and obligations.”
They clarified that the decision to remand Dr Abubakar in custody pending trial was made by the Magistrate Court, not Engr. Shamsuddeen himself. Therefore, attempts by Mr Sowore to conflate a civil suit with executive abuse, they said, are “misleading and dishonest.”
On the issue of bail denial by Justice Kawu Yarima, the group reminded Mr. Sowore that bail is not an automatic right, but a matter of judicial discretion.
“If Mr Sowore, Dr Abubakar, or their legal teams are dissatisfied with the court’s decision, the proper channel is the Court of Appeal,” they advised.
The group also condemned what it called “uninformed and disrespectful” attacks on the judiciary, particularly the criticism of Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, saying, “Such public outbursts do not serve the cause of justice.”
