By Silas Shentukwak Boi
The Rector of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, Dr. Hashim Sabo Bello, has rejected claims of mal-administration, corruption, abuse of office, and financial recklessness, describing the allegations as “false, malicious, and unfounded.”
In a statement released through his legal team—Shipi Rabo Esq., Sambo Azi Esq., and I.S. Sa’id Esq.—Dr. Bello said the allegations, contained in a petition dated March 2, 2026, were “a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and mislead the public.”
The petition, addressed to Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, and copied to various stakeholders and media outlets, was said to expose the Rector to public ridicule, hatred, and danger.
According to the lawyers, the claims are “spurious, frivolous, and vexatious” and are part of a coordinated effort by “disgruntled and over-ambitious individuals” to undermine the institution’s progress.
The legal team added that the allegations lack credible evidence and are designed to frustrate developmental initiatives being implemented by Dr. Bello for the polytechnic’s advancement.
Dr. Bello’s lawyers warned against attempts to create division within the academic community and affirmed their client’s right to protect his reputation against what they described as defamatory attacks.
They have demanded an immediate retraction of the publication by the online media platform that reported the allegations, alongside a formal written apology from the petitioners. The apology is to be published in a reputable national newspaper and delivered personally to the Rector.
Furthermore, the legal representatives called for all organizations and individuals who received copies of the original petition to be notified of the retraction. They warned that failure to comply within seven days would compel Dr. Bello to pursue legal action under civil and criminal law.