… There is a time to speak, and there is a time to simply watch. For a while, I chose to watch. Not because I had nothing to say, but because I believed that wisdom sometimes lies in silence. I believed that the people could tell noise apart from substance. I believed that the story would tell itself.
But now, Sowore has pushed too far. And in the face of deliberate misinformation, reckless attacks, and selective bitterness, silence is no longer virtue; it becomes a license to slander. That is why I must speak.
Let me be clear from the start that this is not a personal defense. It is a response to persistent dishonesty disguised as activism. Omoyele Sowore has turned his energy towards attacking Bauchi State and its leadership, particularly Governor Bala Mohammed and his son, Shamsudeen. What started as a passing jab has now become a full-blown crusade, one built not on facts, but on personal spite.
It all started with a private video. A harmless moment between husband and wife, Shamsudeen and his spouse celebrating his birthday in the comfort of their home. It was never meant for public consumption. It was leaked, twisted, and abused by one Dr. Ahmed, who had been cautioned privately to desist. But as we all know in our society, mockery sells, and dignity is often ignored; the matter escalated into what it never should have been.
And then came Sowore. Not to mediate. Not to reason. But to amplify, distort, and provoke. Instead of defending decency or promoting privacy, he used the moment to unleash a barrage of attacks on the young man’s personality. From there, it spiraled. He started launching missiles at the Governor, weaponizing Shamsudeen’s name to drive a narrative that had nothing to do with public interest.
To face the reality, this has little to do with justice. It is not about integrity. It is about clout. Because the truth is not profitable to those who thrive on outrage.
Shamsudeen is not a politician. He is not in public office. And yet, he has chosen not to hide behind his father’s name. Instead, he walks the path of impact, empowering young people, supporting small businesses, and being present in communities that many elites ignore. But for those who see dignity as a threat, such choices must be punished.
It is unfortunate that someone like Sowore, who once inspired a generation to speak truth to power, now uses his platform to peddle provocation and insult. He has become the judge, the jury, and the executioner of narratives he never truly investigates. He thrives on one-sided stories and applauds himself before the facts are even known.
Bauchi is not a playground. It is not a testing ground for failed ambition. It is not a footnote in someone’s struggle for relevance. It is a state where real work is being done. Governor Bala Mohammed has continued to focus on development, on strengthening institutions, and on leaving a legacy that speaks louder than any online tantrum. He does not spend time trading words. He lets his work speak.
But when a man continues to stir trouble, distort intentions, and smear characters just to remain visible, there comes a time when the lies must be addressed. This is that time.
The people of Bauchi are not blind. They see the difference between criticism and crusade. They know when someone is holding leaders accountable and when someone is simply being loud for attention.
This is why I never bothered with Sowore because I believed that his audience would one day wake up and ask: where are the facts? Where is the balance? Where is the fairness he preaches?
Today, I speak not to argue, but to remind. That when your voice becomes a weapon, and your truth becomes your tool, you must carry responsibility. You must uphold the same integrity you demand from others.
Sowore has not done that. Instead, he has chosen to target a young man, ridicule a working government, and pretend it is all in service of the people. But the people are watching. The people are wiser. And the people can decide for themselves.
In the end, the difference will be clear. Shamsudeen will continue his quiet service. Kaura will continue to build. Bauchi will continue to rise. And history, not hashtags, will remember who truly stood for progress.
—Garba Suleiman G writes from Bauchi State.
