By Suleman Ahmad, Kano
The Coalition for Nigerian Democracy and Justice has strongly condemned the alleged assault of Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, the coordinator of the APC Arewa Youths Merger Group, by a policeman attached to the residence of Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
In a statement signed by the group’s convener, Comrade Ibrahim Mato, and made available to the press, the coalition decried the attack, calling for immediate action against those responsible.
Allegations of Defamation
The statement also accused one Abdullahi Rinji of making defamatory remarks against Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa on social media. The coalition alleged that Shitu Madaki Kunchi, the Deputy Senate President’s Media Adviser, was behind the sponsored smear campaign against Zaitawa.
Call for Intervention
The coalition, which comprises over 21 groups, urged Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to take swift action against those attempting to undermine his relationship with the APC Arewa Youths Merger Group, which has been a strong pillar of support for him.
The group recalled how the Northern Alliance stood by Barau Jibrin during his bid for the Senate Presidency, a race that eventually led to his emergence as Deputy Senate President.
They also reminded him of previous political attacks against him, such as the controversy surrounding the tax reform bill and past allegations made by journalist Jaafar Jaafar, which the APC Arewa Youths Merger Group helped counter.
Defending Northern Interests
The coalition emphasized that the APC Arewa Youths Merger Group has been at the forefront of advocating for the development of the North, including its support for the creation of the North West Development Commission.
The coalition issued a 28-hour ultimatum to Abdullahi Rinji to retract his alleged defamatory statements against Hon. Zaitawa on social media.
Furthermore, they appealed to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to take action against those tarnishing the reputation of the APC Arewa Youths Merger Group’s leader.
They urged him not to let the matter go unaddressed, emphasizing that justice must prevail to uphold the dignity of those committed to the progress of the Northern region.
