The elected senator on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Buba represents Bauchi South Senatorial District in the Nigerian senate.
A coalition of youth groups has asked the Nigerian Senate to relieve the senator accused of aiding bandits, Senator Shehu Umar Buba as chairman Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence.
The elected senator on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Buba represents Bauchi South Senatorial District in the Nigerian senate.
The coalition also demanded that the senator be thoroughly investigated to establish his involvement or otherwise in banditry.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the group argued that Senator Buba could not be allowed to sit as security and intelligence chief of the country's parliament while being investigated for terrorism.
The coalition stressed the imperatives of having the senator step aside, considering Bauchi State government's request for President Bola Tinubu to investigate the allegation.
The letter seen by SaharaReporters reads in parts: "We write on behalf of the National Coalition of Youths Groups, a network of concerned Nigerian youths dedicated to promoting national peace, security, and good governance. We are deeply disturbed by recent allegations linking Senator Shehu Umar Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, with banditry.
"It has come to public notice that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has formally requested President Bola Tinubu to launch a transparent and thorough investigation into these grave allegations.
"Considering the seriousness of these allegations—especially at a time when banditry and kidnapping are pressing national security challenges—it is crucial that these allegations be fully investigated, regardless of the individuals involved.
"As you are aware, the insecurity caused by banditry has claimed numerous lives, displaced thousands, and crippled economic activities, particularly in northern Nigeria, including Bauchi State. If proven true, the involvement of any public officeholder, particularly a Senator, in such crimes not only undermines public confidence in the National Assembly but also endangers the nation's security infrastructure.
"In light of this, we respectfully urge your esteemed office to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Justice must not only be served but must also be seen to be served. Furthermore, we call on Senator Shehu Umar Buba to step aside as Chairman Senate Committee on national Security and Intelligence to allow for an impartial investigation, devoid of any compromise.
"The security of our nation cannot be compromised, and no individual, irrespective of political or social standing, should be above the law. The National Assembly must uphold its reputation as a bastion of integrity and accountability, especially on matters concerning national security."
President of the Coalition, Bashir Garba Zamfara and Secretary of the group, Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, jointly signed the letter.
The letter was copied to President Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police and the Nigerian Governors' Forum.