Islamic scholar Sheikh Mahmud Gumi has come to the defense of Bauchi South Senator, Shehu Buba Umar, following recent allegations linking the lawmaker to banditry.
In a statement released on Sunday, Sheikh Gumi cautioned against what he described as “political blackmail,” saying the senator should not be vilified over accusations that he has denied.
“The distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar should not be made a victim of political blackmail,” Gumi said. “As a civilian, he has consistently worked to support security efforts against banditry and deserves fair and objective assessment.”
The senator has recently come under public scrutiny after claims circulated on social media and in some political circles accusing him of providing shelter to bandits operating in parts of the North West and North Central. Senator Umar has not publicly detailed the allegations but has maintained his commitment to security initiatives in his constituency
Gumi argued that while political disagreements are normal in a democracy, using security issues to score political points undermines national efforts to tackle insecurity.
“Political differences are legitimate, but deliberately vilifying a man who has contributed to the fight against insecurity for cheap political advantage is both unfair and irresponsible,” he stated. “If you cannot commend his efforts, at least do not distort them for political gain.”
Banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks have remained major security challenges in several northern states, with lawmakers and community leaders often called upon to support military and civilian security operations.
As of press time, no official investigation or charge had been announced against Senator Umar in connection with the allegations.
Sheikh Gumi is a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric who has, in the past, been involved in dialogues aimed at addressing banditry and communal conflicts in northern Nigeria
