Yari's aide denies claims of funding protest against Tinubu

Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari has denied claims that he is backing a protest against President Bola Tinubu's government.

Yari’s Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Tsafe, released a statement on Friday. He said reports suggesting that the senator from Zamfara West was financing protests against the government are not true.

Tsafe called the allegation "false, mischievous, politically motivated," and insisted that Yari has no ties to any protest against Tinubu’s administration.

He stated, "Let it be stated categorically and without ambiguity that Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari has no connection whatsoever with any planned protest against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

Tsafe added, "The allegation is false, mischievous, politically motivated and exists only in the fertile imagination of those whose stock-in-trade is misinformation and character assassination."

He explained that Yari has no reason to support a protest against a government he has always backed and worked to strengthen.

Tsafe emphasized that Yari’s relationship with Tinubu is based on mutual respect, political belief, and a shared goal for Nigeria's growth and stability.

He mentioned that Yari supported Tinubu’s presidential ambitions long before Tinubu took office and invested "enormous personal resources, political capital and goodwill" to see it happen.

The statement also noted that Tinubu has publicly recognized Yari’s loyalty and contributions to the All Progressives Congress and the Renewed Hope agenda on several occasions.

Tsafe remarked, "It, therefore, defies logic and common sense that a man who has committed so much to the success of an administration would suddenly turn around to sponsor protests aimed at undermining that same government."

He accused those spreading the rumors of trying to mislead the public and harm Yari’s reputation.

Tsafe also pointed out that Yari is a statesman who has never been involved in "political frivolities, attention-seeking antics or underhanded schemes."

According to him, Yari believes in dialogue, constructive engagement, and democratic participation rather than operating through "faceless groups, shadowy campaigns or sponsored agitation."

The statement claimed that some people are uncomfortable with Yari’s rising political influence and his connections with key figures across Nigeria.

Tsafe said, "It is therefore not surprising that desperate attempts are being made to manufacture controversies where none exist."

He reiterated that Yari is fully committed to Tinubu’s administration and that Nigeria's challenges need collective effort and patience.

Tsafe mentioned that Yari is focused on his duties, the wellbeing of his constituents, and the national interest.

He urged the public to ignore the claims linking Yari to anti-government protests, affirming that the allegations are false and malicious.

"No amount of propaganda can alter the facts. No amount of mischief can diminish the longstanding relationship between Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"And no amount of political blackmail will force Senator Yari away from the principles of loyalty, service and nation-building that have defined his public life," Tsafe concluded.