Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari has dismissed allegations linking him to the sponsorship of anti-government protests against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the claims as false, reckless and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by Hon. Abdullahi Abdulkari, the senator said reports that he was funding protests against the federal government were completely false and should not be paid attention to by the public.
The statement added that Yari has nothing whatsoever to do with any planned protest against the Tinubu administration, insisting that the allegations were only in the imagination of those bent on spreading misinformation and engaging in character assassination.
The statement maintained that Yari had been a consistent backer of President Tinubu and had put in a lot of political capital and resources in backing his presidential ambition and the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement said the relationship between the senator and the president was founded on mutual respect, political conviction and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress and stability, adding that President Tinubu had on several occasions publicly acknowledged Yari’s loyalty and contributions to the success of the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda.
The statement argued that it was illogical for a politician to work so hard for the success of the administration and then sponsor protests aimed at undermining the same government.
Yari was a statesman, whose political philosophy was anchored on dialogue, constructive engagement and democratic participation, and that he had never been associated with faceless groups or sponsored agitation, he said.
According to the statement, recent attacks on the former governor are the handiwork of those uncomfortable with his growing political profile, his relationship with key stakeholders across the country and his unflinching support for President Tinubu.
In a statement, the senator’s office said the repeated allegations reflected more on the desperation and insecurity of their sponsors than any wrongdoing by the senator.
It reaffirmed Yari’s commitment to the success of the Tinubu administration, adding that the challenges confronting the country require collective effort, patience and constructive engagement and not divisive propaganda.
The statement also said the senator remained focused on his legislative duties, the welfare of his constituents and the broader national interest and would not be distracted by what it called the antics of political merchants thriving on falsehood and sensationalism.
It urged Nigerians to ignore the report in its entirety, adding that the long-standing relationship between Senator Yari and President Tinubu could not be undermined by any amount of political blackmail or propaganda and that the report could not drive him away from the principles of loyalty, service and nation-building that have characterized his public life.