By NEXTER
The Nasarawa Unity Frontier has faulted recent calls by a group, for the resignation of the State Accountant General, Musa Ahmed Mohammed (Baraden Nasarawa), over alleged 2027 ambition.
The group, the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group (NS-TA&G2), at a press conference on Saturday in Lafia, had utged the accountant general to exit his current position, citing Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022.
However, the Nasarawa Unity Frontier in a statement signed by its President, Abimiku Elisha, and Secretary, Ibrahim Dogara, and issued on Monday in Lafia, described the claim as baseless, premature, and rooted in a flawed understanding of Nigeria’s Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the Nasarawa Unity Frontier, there is no public record or private declaration from Mohammed indicating any intent to contest elective office.
“He remains focused on his duties and loyal to the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule,” the group said.
The group warned against dragging technocrats into political controversies, insisting that the former speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly has continued to discharge his responsibilities with professionalism and neutrality. They described the allegations as speculative and lacking in substance.
The Unity Frontier referenced the 2003 Supreme Court case, INEC v. Balarabe Musa & Others, which held that civil servants and public officers cannot be denied their constitutional right to associate freely, including political association, unless it disrupts their official functions.
It further pointed to a circular issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation on May 5, 2022, which reaffirmed the constitutional right of civil servants to participate in politics, subject to compliance with public service rules.
“Alleging that Barade is ‘linked to close associates’ is not enough to warrant resignation,” the group said. “Unless such association interferes with his duties or breaks a specific law, it is not a valid ground for punitive action.”
The statement emphasized that Mohammed has not declared for any political office, nor has he purchased a nomination form. “Until he makes such a move, there is no legal or moral requirement for him to resign,” they stated.
It also questioned the motives of those behind the call for resignation, saying Barade was being unfairly singled out while other public officers with rumored political affiliations were left untouched. “This looks more like a targeted smear campaign than a call for accountability,” the group claimed.
Accusations of “secret meetings” were dismissed as unsubstantiated. The group argued that normal interactions with colleagues or associates cannot be equated with political maneuvering or misconduct in office.
It said targeting Barade for his appointment is, by extension, a direct affront to Governor Abdullahi Sule, who made the appointment based on competence and proven integrity. This decision reflects the governor’s vision for transparency, fiscal prudence, and development—objectives that have seen considerable progress under the current administration. It is therefore mischievous to use outdated political episodes to undermine this shared vision.
“On the issue of Barade’s alleged governorship ambition, the group claims that he is covertly campaigning while still serving as Accountant General. Yet, no formal declaration has been made by Barade. Speculating about ambition and accusing him of violating political ethics is both premature and unfounded.
It is important to note that no provision of the Constitution forbids citizens from encouraging or persuading individuals to contest elections. The democratic framework allows the electorate to freely express their preferences, including urging capable individuals to seek public office.
However, the final decision rests solely with the individual concerned. In the case of Barade, while there may be growing public sentiment urging him to run, he has not formally declared any intention to contest. Until such a declaration is made, any assumptions about his candidacy remain speculative and without legal or constitutional standing.
“Even if he chooses to run, the legal framework guiding such a transition is clear. According to Sections 66(1)(f), 107(1)(f), 137(1)(g), and 182(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, any public office holder aspiring to contest in an election is only required to resign at least 30 days before the election. The Electoral Act 2022 and the APC Constitution reinforce this requirement.
“These legal provisions are publicly accessible, and any group with integrity would have consulted them before making misleading assertions. Unfortunately, the group chose to misinform the public, perhaps hoping to stir discord or gain favour with certain political interests,” the group stated.
It warned that such politically motivated attacks could destabilize the administration of Governor Sule and erode public trust in loyal officials. “The focus should remain on governance, not gossip,” it added.
It described the campaign against the AG as part of a broader trend of “faceless groups” targeting competent public servants with innuendo and propaganda rather than facts or legal arguments.
The group called on civil society organizations and political groups to uphold the law, avoid sensationalism, and contribute positively to political stability and administrative discipline in the state.
It urged the public to ignore the resignation calls, reaffirming that Musa Ahmed Mohammed has not breached any law or directive and remains focused on his official duties and unwavering in his loyalty to Governor Sule.
