Former Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan has condemned and categorically denied a false and malicious report published by Nasarawa 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.”
In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo and issued on Monday, Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, declared that the report “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,” the statement stressed.
Senator Lawan said he recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the present administration to tackle the myriad of issues confronting our country, commending the President and his team for implementing their vision – The Renewed Hope Agenda – for a better Nigeria.
The former Senate President, who now chairs the Committee on Defence in the Red Chamber, said he stands firmly in support of President Tinubu whom he campaigned vigorously for ahead of the 2023 general elections, adding that he remains committed to working with the present administration for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
Accordingly, Lawan urged all Nigerians to be vigilant and responsible in their consumption of information, and also encouraged 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,” he stated.