Senator Lawan not involved in arrest of constituent, says report linking him malicious

Former Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan has denied report in Sahareporters linking him with the arrest of a constituent, Ishe’u Ibrahim Jadda over criticisms trailing Gashua Water Supply Project.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Izrel Tabiowo on Saturday, Lawan denied knowledge of the arrest and described the report as malicious and unfounded.

“The attention of the Office of Senator Ahmad Lawan has been drawn to a malicious report by Sahara Reporters, falsely linking the Distinguished Senator to the arrest of his constituent, Ishe’u Ibrahim Jadda, over criticisms of the Gashua Water Supply Project.

“This reckless and false publication is nothing but a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a statesman whose entire public service has been defined by strict adherence to the rule of law, democratic principles, and the rights of citizens to free expression.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Ahmad Lawan, a seasoned legislator and former President of the Senate, has never, and will never use his office or influence to suppress dissent or intimidate critics. His long-standing record as a lawmaker, even during his years in opposition, speaks to a man who respects divergent opinions and upholds the sanctity of democratic engagement.

“Throughout his tenure in the National Assembly, he has championed transparency, accountability, and open dialogue, even when subjected to the harshest criticisms from Nigerians.

“It is instructive to recall that as President of the 9th Senate between 2019 and 2023, Senator Lawan presided over a chamber where robust debates and opposing views were not only tolerated but encouraged. He endured relentless scrutiny but remained steadfast to good governance by always prioritizing the welfare of the people over personal or political vendettas. To suggest that a man of such pedigree would orchestrate the arrest of a constituent for exercising his constitutional right to free speech is not only absurd but an affront to his decades of principled service.

“The Gashua Water Supply Project, recently commissioned and handed over to the Yobe State Government by the Federal Government, was facilitated by Senator Lawan in response to a health emergency which has claimed so many lives. Gashua, a town in Yobe North Senatorial District, has one of the highest cases of kidney disease, which medical experts have linked to contaminated water sources.

“Rather than being threatened by criticism, Senator Lawan welcomes constructive feedback as a vital tool for improving public service delivery. The allegations of his involvement in any form of repression are, therefore, not only false but a calculated attempt to distract from the tangible progress being made in Yobe North.

“We categorically state that Senator Lawan has no connection whatsoever to the arrest of Ishe’u Ibrahim Jadda, and we challenge Sahara Reporters to provide a shred of credible evidence to substantiate their defamatory claims. Failure to do so should compel right-thinking members of the public to dismiss the report as yet another sensational fabrication designed to generate clicks at the expense of truth and integrity.

“We urge the media to exercise due diligence and refrain from publishing unverified allegations that undermine the dignity of public officials and the trust of the citizenry.

“Senator Ahmad Lawan remains focused on his mandate of delivering impactful representation and will not be deterred by baseless distractions. The good people of Yobe North, who know his character and track record, will not be swayed by such malicious propaganda.”