The immediate past president of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Monday, July 15, disowned alleged anti-President Bola Tinubu comments credited to him in the media.
Lawan, according to a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, vowed to henceforth drag those peddling fake news against him to court.
He described the comment attributed to him as false and malicious.
The statement reads in part: “The office of Senator Ahmad Lawan, representing Yobe North Senatorial District, strongly condemns and categorically denies a false and malicious report published by … reporters, wherein he is alleged to have said, ‘Nobody is criticizing Tinubu because he is Yoruba, we all know his policies caused hunger and unbearable hardships.’
“This statement is not only untrue but also deeply insensitive and divisive. The false report is a deliberate attempt to sow seeds of disunity amongst Nigerians. It is a clear fabrication designed by mischief makers to incite ethnic tensions and create political instability.
“The malicious report is a figment of the imagination of those who seek to stoke ethnic division and undermine national harmony. Senator Lawan will continue to work diligently by giving his full support as always to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the progress and unity of all Nigerians.
“We strongly condemn the recent wave of fake news and misinformation on various online social platforms aimed at creating confusion and undermining the confidence of Nigerians in the President Tinubu-led government.
“Senator Lawan recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the administration to tackle the myriad of issues confronting our country.
“Senator Lawan commends the President and his team for implementing their vision – The Renewed Hope Agenda – for a better Nigeria.
“Senator Lawan stands firmly in support of President Bola Tinubu whom he campaigned vigorously for ahead of the 2023 General Elections. He remains committed to working with President Tinubu’s administration for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Accordingly, we urge all Nigerians to be vigilant and responsible in their consumption of information. We also encourage the public to rely on credible sources and to reject fake news that is intended to mislead and divide. We urge the media and the general public to disregard this false and misleading report.
“We also sternly warn those responsible for spreading malicious fabrication to desist from such irresponsible and divisive behaviour as legal action against them will be pursued without hesitation going forward.” (Nation)