Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has dismissed claims linking him to the arrest of Ishe’u Ibrahim Jadda, a constituent reportedly detained over his criticism of the Gashua Water Supply Project in Yobe North.
Reacting to an online media report implicating him in the incident, Lawan, who currently represents Yobe North in the National Assembly, described the allegation as false and malicious, aimed solely at tarnishing his public image.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his media adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, the senator maintained that he had no hand in the arrest and would never suppress dissent or stifle the right to free speech.
“The report is entirely baseless. Senator Ahmad Lawan has never and will never use his position to target or intimidate any constituent for expressing their views,” the statement said.
“To associate him with such an act is both unreasonable and a direct attack on his record of democratic service.”
The online publication had alleged that Jadda’s arrest was linked to his public condemnation of the newly launched Gashua water project.
However, Lawan refuted this narrative and reiterated his respect for diverse opinions and criticism, especially those aimed at improving public service.
He also defended the water project, stating that it was initiated in response to a serious health challenge in the area, as Gashua reportedly has one of the highest rates of kidney-related illnesses in Yobe State — conditions allegedly tied to unsafe water sources.
Lawan said he welcomes constructive criticism and sees it as crucial to refining governance and improving service delivery.
He further challenged the news outlet to present credible evidence for its claim, affirming his continued commitment to delivering quality representation to the people of Yobe North.