A political group, the Joint All Progressives Congress Forum, Bauchi State Chapter, has reacted to a publication by Sahara Reporters, which accused the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, of allegedly using public funds to sponsor the campaign of Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), ahead of our great party’s gubernatorial primaries in Bauchi State.
In a statement made available to New National Star, Friday, signed by the Chairman, Alhaji Inuwa Saleh, the group said that “after due investigation considering the weight and sensitivity of the allegation, we have found this allegation to be completely false and thus, should be disregarded.”
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to yet another publication regarding the forthcoming primaries in view of the 2023 General Elections. This publication, dated 24th May, 2022 in Sahara Reporters, alleged that a certain Coalition of All Progressives Congress accused the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, of using public funds to sponsor the campaign of Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), ahead of our great party’s gubernatorial primaries in Bauchi State.
“The accusation went further to insinuate that the Minister enlisted wealthy and high ranking delegates as beneficiaries of stipends for the poor and vulnerable under the programmes of the federal government.
“Despite the oddity of the accusations, in which accomplished delegates of our great party will be accused of receiving stipends that range from five thousand naira (N5,000) and a little more, in exchange for votes, it was essential to give fair hearing and follow due process in ascertaining the validity of the claim.
“After due investigation considering the weight and sensitivity of the allegation, we have found this allegation to be completely false and thus, should be disregarded.
“While not holding brief or appearing to take sides with any candidate, for the sake of clarity on financial issues, it must be stated that Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar rtd is a seasoned and accomplished retired public servant and decorated military officer who is very capable of catering for his bills.
“He is also surrounded with a vast network of amiable and deeply-rooted friends and associates that are working round the clock in response to the political aspirations of one of their own, just like other aspirants are doing.
“It is to be noted that this is not the first time accusations are being traded by various aspirants directly or through media houses online and offline or through support groups as well as other channels, in addition to the news, media and rumour-mill scenarios that often accompany electioneering.
“However, we urge all candidates irrespective of party affiliation, not to see one another as threats or rivals but as people from one family – the Bauchi State Family that forms a part of the larger Nigerian Family.
“In Bauchi State, we are focused on preserving and promoting peace, unity and progress while encouraging same in our country.
“We therefore, seize this opportunity to urge all contestants in Bauchi State, their media team, their media partners, supporters, various support groups and the general public to maintain decorum in the way and manner of electioneering, considering that there is life after politics and this is not a do or die matter.
The chords of love and togetherness that bind us together in Bauchi State is much stronger than the figments of attempted division.”