By: Arinze Paul Uche — Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigerian Senate has dissolved a security-related committee formerly chaired by Senator Shehu Umar Buba of Bauchi South, following heightened public concerns over worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria.
The committee’s dissolution has drawn wide reactions from civil society groups, political observers and youth advocates, many of whom say the decision was necessary given the scale of security challenges confronting the region.
Senator Buba has in recent weeks faced serious public criticism and unproven allegations from various groups, accusing him of bias and of allegedly shielding certain bandit groups linked to Fulani communities accusations he has not publicly addressed in full. He has also been accused of showing partisanship in handling security matters and of lacking the requisite experience to lead such a sensitive committee. These allegations remain unverified and are currently subjects of public debate.
Youth Group Applauds Tinubu, Senate; Among the groups responding to the Senate’s action is the Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly (BSYDA), which praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate for what it described as a “responsible and timely intervention.”
The group argued that Senator Buba was not a suitable fit for the chairmanship of a security committee, claiming he lacked the experience and neutrality required for such a role.
BSYDA further alleged that Senator Buba had shown favoritism and ethnic bias in his public conduct claims the senator has not confirmed and which remain under scrutiny.
The youth group called for an independent and comprehensive investigation to determine whether there is any wrongdoing on the part of Senator Buba or whether, as some supporters of the senator argue, he is a victim of political persecution.
Arrests of Youth Activists Raise Tensions; The Bauchi youth assembly also condemned the recent arrest of several young activists who had publicly criticized Senator Buba on social media. Among those arrested was Daure David, popularly known as Boris, a prominent youth advocate and member of the Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly.
According to the group, the senator allegedly filed complaints accusing the activists of defamation and insulting him online. The matter is now before the court.
BSYDA insists the arrests amount to an attempt to silence dissenting voices and has urged authorities to release the detainees and instead focus on investigating the allegations raised against the senator.
Federal Government Urged to Intervene: The group further appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that public office holders do not exploit their positions to influence security matters or to deepen ethnic polarization at a time when national unity is under strain.
They argued that accountability in leadership especially in areas connected to peace and security was essential as communities across the North continue to face rising incidents of kidnapping, killings and school abductions.
Senate Reshuffles Security and Intelligence Committees
Meanwhile, Senate insiders revealed that the removal of Senator Buba was part of a broader reshuffling of leadership across security and intelligence committees. The restructuring reportedly affects multiple chairpersons, not Buba alone, and was triggered by what many senators described as a persistent lack of actionable solutions to Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.
Public Awaits Outcome of Calls for Investigation
As public debate intensifies, Nigerians await further clarity from any investigation that may follow the Senate’s action. Many observers are now questioning whether the committee shake-up will help curb insecurity or complicate political tensions particularly in northern communities heavily affected by violent attacks and mass abductions.
For now, the issue remains a focal point of national discussion, with strong opinions emerging on all sides as the country grapples with one of its most pressing security challenges.
