The Office of Senator Ahmad Lawan has strongly denied allegations linking the former Senate President to the arrest of his constituent, Ishe’u Ibrahim Jadda, over criticism of the Gashua Water Supply Project, describing the claims as “false, reckless, and malicious.”

Media Adviser to the Senator, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, in a press statement, said the report by the online medium should be dismissed as a “deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation” of a seasoned public servant renowned for his commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Ahmad Lawan… has never, and will never, use his office or influence to suppress dissent or intimidate critics,” the statement reads. “To suggest that a man of such pedigree would orchestrate the arrest of a constituent for exercising his constitutional right to free speech is not only absurd but an affront to his decades of principled service.”

The statement stressed Lawan’s track record of openness to criticism, highlighting his leadership as President of the 9th Senate (2019–2023), where “robust debates and opposing views were not only tolerated but encouraged.”
Despite enduring public scrutiny during his tenure, Lawan “remained steadfast to good governance” and prioritised the welfare of his constituents, the statement added.

Clarifying the context of the Gashua Water Supply Project, Lawan’s office noted that the initiative was facilitated by the senator in response to a health emergency caused by contaminated water sources in Gashua, a town in Yobe North Senatorial District with one of the country’s highest rates of kidney disease.

“Rather than being threatened by criticism, Senator Lawan welcomes constructive feedback as a vital tool for improving public service delivery,” the statement said.

Lawan’s team challenged the online newspaper to provide credible evidence of his involvement in the arrest or retract the story.

“Failure to do so should compel right-thinking members of the public to dismiss the report as yet another sensational fabrication designed to generate clicks at the expense of truth and integrity,” the statement said.

The statement concluded by reaffirming Lawan’s commitment to his legislative duties and his continued focus on delivering impactful representation to the people of Yobe North.