…Gives sponsor, Almaliki, 24 hours ultimatum to withdraw defamatory video or face lawsuit
Kano state gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has distanced himself from a viral vedio clip circulating in the media claiming that he promised to give Sheikh Abduljabbar a state pardon and release him from prison if elected the Governor of Kano State.
The candidate through his campaign spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa said the allegation from one self acclaimed Sheikh Almaliki is not true and there was no agreement between his boss and any individual or group on release of any prisoner.
A viral vedio is ongoing on the social media that the candidate, known as Abba Gida-Gida had agreement with one sheik to release Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, who was sentenced to death by hanging for committing blasphemy.
However, Abba’s spokesman said out of sheer respect for democratic values and separation of power, Engr. Abba, if elected Kano State Governor, is determined not to interfere in the judicial processes or pardon any one serving jail term out of a politically motivated interest.
“The video is a calculated attempt for defamation of the hard earned reputation of Engr. Abba, put forward by some undemocratic elements with a view to set up the NNPP gubernatorial candidate against the peaceful Kano voters.
“By this statement, we wish to issue a 24 hour ultimatum for Almaliki to withdraw the seriously denigrating video or accept an option of a lawsuit at a Sharia court after the expiration of this warning.”
He added that Abba Gida-Gida, as a law abiding citizen and political leader, will not do anything to undermine the role of the judiciary as an independent arm of government, adding that if elected would not interfere on any case before the court.
“We are pretty sure that the defamatory statement by Almaliki Kabara is fully sponsored by the Kano State government as a result of the defeat they suffered in the recent general elections in the state.
“No amount of blackmail on the personality of Abba Gida Gida can reduce the intensity of the overwhelming supports he receives from the good people of Kano State ahead of March 11th election.”
