Senator Ahmad Lawan has dismissed allegations of diverting N3 billion purportedly earmarked for the construction of a kidney hospital in Gashua, describing the claim as a renewed campaign of calumny aimed at undermining his bid to represent Yobe North in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, the former Senate President said funds appropriated for projects are domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Finance and released directly to contractors designated by the relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
Tabiowo said it was therefore impossible for Senator Lawan, Hon. Jakduwa Hassan Kaikaku, representing Bade/Jakusko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Hon. Sadiq Yahaya Attajiri, representing Bade Central in the Yobe State House of Assembly, to divert funds that did not pass through their personal accounts or offices.
He described the allegations as an attempt to exploit the health challenges of residents of Gashua, noting that Senator Lawan had facilitated several healthcare interventions across Yobe North, including dialysis machines and water treatment infrastructure at the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, as well as the construction and equipping of a dialysis centre.
According to him, Lawan had also facilitated the establishment of primary healthcare centres in Isari, Azbak and Maidashi, the Jakusko General Hospital, renovation of healthcare centres in Gasamu and Dalah, and a clinic with a dialysis unit at the Federal University, Gashua.
Other interventions, he said, included an Intensive Care Unit at Specialist Hospital, Gashua, a dialysis unit at General Hospital, Jakusko, and the Muhammadu Buhari Maternal and Child Hospital.
The statement said the latest allegation was similar to a previous attempt to link the senator with alleged misappropriation of funds for the Gashua water project, which it said was based on falsehood. Tabiowo accused political opponents of resorting to propaganda after failing to stop Lawan’s re-election bid through legitimate means.
He warned those allegedly sponsoring the campaign of defamation that they would face the consequences of their actions, adding that Senator Lawan remained focused on his mandate and would not be distracted by what he described as “hollow propagandists.”
