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26.10.2014 Opinion

Re: Boko Haram: Conspiracy Over Bauchi Bombing – Former SGF, Yayale Fingered

By Saleh Bature
Re: Boko Haram: Conspiracy Over Bauchi Bombing – Former SGF, Yayale Fingered
26.10.2014 LISTEN

I do not believe that politicians could be so stupid, reckless and short sighted until when I read a story posted by an online publication, linking the name of Ajiyan Katagum, Mahmood Yayale Ahmed (former SGF), and yet to be announced gubernatorial candidate in Bauchi State guber race in 2015 to the recent bomb blast that took place in Azare, on 22 December 2014.

The spurious story which was posted by nigeriacamera.net on October 24, 2014 and which has gone viral, was crafted by some unscrupulous and neophyte journalists who were paid by some political jobbers, with the intent to bring the good name and unblemished records of the former SGF to disrepute.

In utter disregard to decorum and professionalism, Ajiyan Katagum has been accused in the story for "using Boko Haram as a tool to settle political scores and/or harass political opponents."

By going ahead to publish such a story, that levels serious allegation against a highly revered personality by denying him the chance to defend himself is the highest abuse and irresponsibility in journalism practice. The publication has thrown away objectivity and balance reporting, as cardinal principles and tenets of journalism to the dogs. Nowhere in the story which, from all intent and purposes, had been written to discredit Yayale, gave him the opportunity to react to the odium against him.

What the sponsors of the odious report do not know or want the public to know is the truth that the former SGF was instrumental to the forming of the vigilante group in Azare. The truth is that no individual in the whole of Bauchi state has dedicated his time and resources to the security of lives and property in Azare, following the serial killings of prominent people in the area sometime in 2011 and 2012, than the former SGF.

The writer of this piece is one of the 4 people that sold the idea for a fund to be raised to assist the families of the victims that lost their lives following the gruesome murder that took place when gun men attacked Azare town in December 2012. It may interest the nigeriacamera.net to know that the meeting for the fund raising and disbursement to the over 22 people,including security men, who died in the series of killings in Azare that gave birth to the vigilante group, took place in the Ajiya's guest house in Wuse II Abuja and in his presence. Out of the total amount raised, money for weekly prayer for peace and monthly allowance for the vigilante group was set aside.

If any DPO has been transferred out of Azare, what has that got to do with the Ajiyan Katagum?

The reason for this Campaign of calumny against Mahmood Yayale Ahmed was aimed at scuttling his presumed aspiration to present himself for Bauchi governorship in 2014.

The political gladiators in Bauchi state appear to be jittery about the Ajiyan Katagum for his intimidating personality and extraordinary credentials. Yayale is a phenomenon. The mere rumor that is being peddled about his aspiration for the highest office in the state has given some politicians sleepless nights. Instead of them to follow the path of honor and harp on issues of concern to our people, they went ahead with a divisive politics that spread lies to bring a perceived enemy or an opponent down.

The unfolding furor and chicanery is all about 2015. The political ambience in Bauchi state has been overcharged because Katagum has submitted list of candidates for governorship of the state for consideration to the PDP. The opposition All Progressive Congress(APC) also have equally serious contenders from Katagum that have the capacity to wrest power from PDP.

We understand that some powerful but mischievous politicians who are against power shift to Katagum are at play. However, we take solace in our belief and conviction that their plan will fail, as it is against ALL requirements of correct behaviour in polite society.

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