By Jude Opara, Abuja
The Nasarawa Unity Frontier has rejected recent calls for the State Accountant General, Musa Ahmed Mohammed to resign from office, describing them as baseless, premature, and a clear demonstration of lack of understanding letters of Nigeria’s Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the group’s President, Abimiku Elisha and Secretary, Ibrahim Dogara, and issued on Sunday.
The Unity Frontier was reacting to a press conference organized by another group under the aegis of the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group (NS-TA&G2), which had urged Barade to step down over alleged political ambitions.
According to the statement, there is no public record or private declaration from Barade indicating that he has any intent to contest for any election.
“He remains focused on his duties and loyal to the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule,” the group said.
They 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.
However, the NS-TA&G2 had cited Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 to support its claim, but the Unity Frontier argued that the section applies only to appointees who seek election or nomination, not to those merely associated with political figures or conversations.
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.
They further referenced 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, provided they comply with the rules of the public service.
“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 Barade 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.
They 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.
The Unity Frontier insisted that 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.
“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”, the statement added.
