By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Former Governor of Zamfara State, and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District at the National Assembly Abdulaziz Yarr, has strongly debunked claims linking him to the over N4 billion worth of raw gold bars intercepted at the Malam Aminu Kano Airport, Kano.
The Source reports that one Ali Baffa, an employee of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, was on Monday, apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, while attempting to smuggle the gold bars out of the country.
The suspect, according to the anti-graft Commission, was alleged to have carefully concealed the raw gold bars totaling about 22.2 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of over N4,400,000,000 in his trousers, hoping to beat the airport’s hordes of security check points, and operatives.
While the suspect, and his identified accomplices are currently cooling their heels in the EFCC detention facility pending conclusion of investigations and prosecution, speculations have been rife allegedly linking Senator Yari, whose State Zamfara is believed to be harbouring significant reservoir of the rare gold bars, to the seized item.
But in a statement from Hon Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, his Chief of Staff, the Senator described such claims as not only false and malicious, but reckless and politically motivated with the aim of damaging his hard earned reputation.
In the statement captioned *”False and Malicious Attempt to Link Senator Yari to Alleged Gold Seizure”*, the former Zamfara State Governor also vowed to take legal action against anyone identified to be behind the unfounded, and misleading reports on him.
“Our attention has been drawn to a malicious, reckless and politically motivated publication seeking to link the Distinguished Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, to the recent seizure of gold bars by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
“We wish to state categorically ,and without any equivocation that Senator Abdulaziz Yari has absolutely no connection whatsoever with the matter being sensationally reported by some online platforms and their sponsors.
“The publication is false, defamatory, mischievous, and clearly designed to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Senator Yari ,who has remained one of the most influential political figures in Nigeria, and steadfast supporter of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is instructive that while the EFCC publicly identified individuals arrested in connection with the incident, nowhere in its statement was Senator Yari named as a suspect or person of interest”, Hon Tsafe stated.
Senator Yari in the statement accused political adversaries of desperately looking for all conceivable avenues to drag his name to the mud.
“We are fully aware of the individuals ,and interests behind this latest round of propaganda. These are elements who have become increasingly uncomfortable with Senator Yari’s growing stature, political relevance, national acceptance ,and cordial relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Having failed repeatedly in their efforts to diminish his standing through legitimate political means, they have now resorted to weaponization of falsehood , blackmail, and media manipulation.
“Let it be clearly stated that Senator Yari will not be distracted by these acts of political brigandage. He remains focused on delivering quality representation to the people of Zamfara West and contributing to national development”, Hon Tsafe added.
The statement further indicated that Senator Yari has directed his legal team to immediately set in motion all necessary machineries towards initiating legal proceedings against all individuals and organizations linked to the malicious publications against him.
“Those responsible for these evil and defamatory lies will be compelled to substantiate their claims before the appropriate judicial authorities”, the statement further reads .
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