The camp of Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, has dismissed reports linking him to the recent seizure of gold bars by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, describing the allegations as false, malicious and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, the former Zamfara State governor said he had no connection whatsoever with the incident and accused unnamed political opponents of orchestrating a campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
According to the statement, the EFCC, in its official communication on the matter, identified those arrested in connection with the seizure but did not mention Senator Yari as either a suspect or a person of interest.
“The publication is false, defamatory and mischievous, and clearly designed to undermine the hard-earned reputation of Senator Yari, who remains a prominent political figure and a steadfast supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
The senator’s camp alleged that the reports were part of a coordinated propaganda campaign by political adversaries uncomfortable with his growing influence and cordial relationship with President Tinubu.
It maintained that despite repeated attempts to diminish his political standing, Senator Yari remained focused on providing quality representation to the people of Zamfara West and contributing to national development.
The statement further disclosed that Yari had directed his legal team to initiate legal proceedings against individuals, groups and media organisations involved in originating and disseminating the allegations.
It warned that those responsible would be required to substantiate their claims before competent judicial authorities, stressing that freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the dissemination of fabricated information.
The senator’s camp therefore urged members of the public to disregard the reports, describing them as a politically orchestrated smear campaign lacking any factual basis.
“Senator Yari’s record of service and contributions to nation-building cannot be diminished by falsehood and sponsored propaganda,” the statement added.
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