By Khalid Idris Doya The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone E, has expressed deep concern and disappointme...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone E, has expressed deep concern and disappointment over what it described as "malicious and unfounded utterances" made by activist and politician Mr. Omoyele Sowore against the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Kabiru Bala Jibrin, Private Secretary to the Zonal Coordinator, NANS Zone E, condemned Sowore's remarks, describing them as part of persistent pattern of misinformation and personal attacks aimed at discrediting credible public leaders.
"His latest outburst against Governor Bala Muhammad is not only baseless but also a desperate act of political bitterness and hypocrisy," Jibrin stated.
He lauded Governor Mohammed as one of Nigeria's most education-focused and youth-friendly leaders, saying numerous achievements under his administration were in key sectors particularly in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Kabiru noted the recent release of N900 million in scholarship funds for Bauchi State indigenes studying in tertiary institutions across the country, a move he described as historic, especially amid the growing financial hardship facing many students.
"Governor Bala Muhammad has demonstrated an unshakable commitment to education as the bedrock of sustainable development," he said.
Jibrin highlighted the governor's investments in building and renovating primary and secondary schools, constructing facilities in tertiary institutions like Bauchi State University (Sa'adu Zungur University) Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, and the College of Education Azare, among others.
"These tangible developments have significantly elevated the learning environment and strengthened academic delivery," he noted.
Jibrin therefore, criticised Sowore's attempt to tarnish Governor Bala's reputation, stating "It is a great disservice to trust and integrity for Mr. Sowore to attempt to discredit a leader whose impact is visible and verifiable."
He challenged Sowore to focus on his own home state of Ondo, where "glaring signs of governmental neglect" such as leaking courtroom in a High Court while proceedings were ongoing, which became subjects of ridicule on social media.
"This disgraceful scene is not only a national embarrassment but a reflection of Sowore's selective activism. Indeed, charity must begin at home," he added.
The student body also condemned Sowore’s recent social media publications, which allegedly included personal photos, bank details, and other sensitive financial information of the Governor’s eldest son, Engr. Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed.
"More disturbingly, Sowore's desperation has now escalated into malicious blackmail, not only against Governor Bala Muhammad but also members of his family," Kabiru Bala Jibrin added.
The student body also condemned Sowore's recent social media publications, which allegedly included personal pictures and videos, bank details, BVN, and other sensitive financial information of Governor's eldest son, Engr. Shamsuddeen Bala Muhammad.
"This is not activism, its cyberbullying and data breach is clearly intended to smear the reputation of the Governor's family and cause personal and financial harm."
Jibrin revealed that millions of naira were allegedly siphoned from Shamuddeen's account by unknown hackers after the data leak, "We have it on good authority that, as a result of this grossly irresponsible behavior by Mr. Sowore, unknown hackers have accessed and withdrawn millions of naira from Engr. Shamsuddeen's account."
"This is unacceptable and criminal. No one should be allowed to hide under the guise of activism to commit such heinous cybercrimes," he added.
NANS Zone E called on security law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest Mr. Omoyele Sowore over what it described as "grossly irresponsible," actions.
Furthermore, the association urged reputable organisations both national and international such as the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, that have, in the past, partnered with Mr. Sowore, to reassess any affiliations with Sowore in light of his recent conduct.
"Associating with individuals whose public conduct undermines decency and factual integrity may, in the long run, taint the credibility and noble intentions of these organizations in the eyes of Nigerians," he added.
The leadership and members of NANS Zone E, reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, applauding his developmental strides and urging him not to be distracted by "naysayers whose voices are loud but empty."
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