Group Raises Alarm Over Mining Risks In Bauchi, Demands Accountability From Guber Hopefuls

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The Concerned Bauchi All Progressives Congress (APC) Youths Forum has demanded absolute transparency and accountability from all gubernatorial candidates in Bauchi State to help voters make informed choices.

The forum’s Chairman, Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, made the call during a press briefing in Bauchi and urged political actors to approach the electoral process with caution while remaining committed to the state’s peace and development.

The group’s demand follows recent media debates surrounding the business interests of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Umar Buba.

The controversy intensified after an aide to Senator Buba confirmed the lawmaker’s involvement in the mining sector, prompting former Bauchi State Governor and current APC gubernatorial candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), to publicly question the source of the Senator’s wealth.

“As a Forum committed to accountability and good governance, we believe that these are legitimate questions that deserve clear and transparent answers”.

“Anyone seeking the mandate of the people to govern Bauchi State should be open about their business interests and sources of wealth,” Hassan said.

The forum explicitly urged Senator Buba to clarify his mining operations, including the specific names of companies he is associated with, to build public confidence.

The youth forum expressed deep concerns over the potential risks associated with the mining industry, drawing parallels to security crises in other parts of the country.

“While mining is a lawful economic activity when properly regulated, we are concerned about the security challenges associated with illegal mining in several parts of Nigeria,” Hassan warned.

He noted that states like Zamfara have suffered severe insecurity linked to criminal elements operating around mining communities, declaring that Bauchi must not be allowed to slide into a similar crisis.

With security remaining a critical national challenge, the forum advised the electorate to thoroughly scrutinize the background, priorities, integrity, competence, and leadership records of all contenders before casting their ballots.

Hassan concluded by reaffirming the forum’s dedication to issue-based politics and peaceful campaigns, urging all candidates to prioritize the collective interest of Bauchi State over personal ambitions.