Justice or Vendetta? Walin Ganye, His Son, and the Political Storm Over Umar Calculate’s Arrest”

In the simmering political landscape of Adamawa State, the recent arrest and detention of popular political critic, Umar Calculate, has ignited a firestorm of speculation, accusations, and calls for accountability. But amidst the swirl of controversy, a clear voice has emerged to set the record straight — that of Mohammed Sadiq Mohammed, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Environment, and son of the revered elder statesman, Walin Ganye.

Umar Calculate’s detention followed a petition accusing him of defamation, stemming from a widely circulated audio recording in which he allegedly insulted prominent individuals. The arrest triggered a cascade of public outrage, with some political actors suggesting that the move was a calculated attempt to silence dissent and muzzle critical voices under the guise of legal action.
Among the loudest voices was Senator Ishaku Abbo, who publicly alleged that the Commissioner for Environment, known locally as Bala Kalu, and his father, Walin Ganye, orchestrated the arrest to punish Calculate for his outspoken stance against the state government. The senator’s claims gained traction across social media, fueling suspicion and further deepening the political divide.

But in a swift and decisive response, Commissioner Mohammed Sadiq Mohammed broke his silence in a press briefing held in Yola, where he categorically distanced himself and his father from the entire legal debacle.
“I wish to state clearly and unequivocally that neither I nor my father, Walin Ganye, had anything to do with the arrest, detention, or prosecution of Umar Calculate,” the Commissioner stated. “My father is an elder statesman and a man of integrity, highly respected across political divides. He is not involved in partisan squabbles, nor would he ever interfere in issues as trivial as online propaganda or political banter.”

The Commissioner went on to explain that the Ministry of Environment is currently investigating illegal occupation of public waste-disposal lands — areas designated for community dumpsites — which have allegedly been encroached upon and converted into residential plots. He emphasized that the ministry’s focus is strictly environmental and administrative, and not driven by personal vendetta.
“What happened was that one of my younger brothers came across an audio where Umar Calculate insulted our father in a most demeaning and malicious manner,” he explained. “Out of personal resolve, my brother filed a petition through the Department of State Services (DSS). It was his independent action. I neither endorsed it nor was I involved. Neither was my father.”

The Commissioner acknowledged the circulation of a viral video wherein Senator Abbo accused him and his father of orchestrating the arrest. “I am deeply disappointed by the senator’s unfounded claims. They are not only misleading but also capable of inciting unnecessary tension and dragging innocent people into political mudslinging,” he said.
Observers believe that while the case may have started as a personal matter stemming from defamatory remarks, it has now been politicized beyond reason. The Commissioner’s press statement, however, provided much-needed clarity and served as a firm rebuttal to what many now see as reckless political scapegoating.

Walin Ganye, a man known for his neutrality, wisdom, and unifying influence in Adamawa politics, has long maintained a distance from political fray. Multiple community leaders have come forward to defend his character, reaffirming his role as a father figure to all — regardless of political affiliation.
As the court proceeds with the libel case against Umar Calculate, the real question now turns to whether political figures will rise above divisive rhetoric and focus on truth, accountability, and the sanctity of the legal process. What is clear, however, is that attempts to weaponize the names of innocent elders for political gain must be met with firm resistance.

In the words of one elder in Adamawa State, “Walin Ganye belongs to everyone. Dragging his name through the political mud is not just unfair — it’s unjust.”