Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has dissociated himself from sponsored protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing reports linking him to the action as false and misleading.
In a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Dauda, which was made available to newsmen, Ajaka said he neither authorised, sponsored, directed, commissioned nor coordinated the protest.
The statement was issued in response to a publication by a group identified as “Igala Vanguard,” attributed to one Engr. Lawrence Ankpa, which allegedly linked Ajaka to the demonstration.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka did not authorize, sponsor, direct, commission or coordinate the protest,” the statement said.
It added that attributing the actions of independent citizens to Ajaka was an attempt to mislead the public and drag his name into an issue with which he was not connected.
Ajaka’s media aide also defended the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, stressing that Igala youths did not require the permission of any political actor to assemble and express concerns about issues affecting their communities, representation, and future.
The statement questioned why citizens who independently chose to speak out on matters affecting them should automatically be associated with Ajaka.
It further accused unnamed individuals and groups of using fictitious associations and pseudo-identities to engage in character assassination, political manipulation and the spread of unsubstantiated allegations.
The statement warned those allegedly operating behind such platforms to stop using Ajaka’s name for political propaganda, blackmail and manufactured controversies.
It challenged anyone with allegations against Ajaka to come forward openly, using their real names and presenting facts and evidence that could withstand public scrutiny.
The statement, however, clarified that Ajaka holds the Chairman of INEC and the Commission in high esteem.
According to it, Ajaka respects the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the INEC Chairman and remains confident that the Commission will continue to discharge its duties with fairness, professionalism and regard for the law.
The statement urged the public to disregard the alleged false attribution and be guided accordingly.
