By Hillary Asemota
The arrow Head of the AA Zaura Campaign Organisation, who also doubles as the Spokesperson for the Kano State born Senatorial aspirant, Abdulsalam Abubakar Zaura, Mr. Ibrahim Garba Iceman, on Tuesday raised the alarm over the continuous and orchestrated campaign of calumny and all forms of threat to pull down, derail and distract his boss from achieving his well-intended ambition in in the forthcoming election for the people of Kano State come 2023.
Addressing a spectrum and cross sections of the media at the NUJ Centre in Abuja, Iceman, said the ominous signs of threat especially with the use of the media and antigraft agencies to rope the Kano political juggernaut and achiever through alleged money laundering charges cannot be undermined or swept under the carpet.
He said: “It has become necessary for us to address members of the press today on recent reports in the media about the threat to arrest our principal AA Zaura on allegations of money laundering charges.”
While reinforcing President Muhamadu Buhari’s stance on Rule of Law, he added that AA Zaura holds this tenet in higher esteem even as he said that his principal does not believe in cutting corners because of his firm belief in the judiciary.
On the Court matter, he said, AA Zaura, has stridently followed every process from the beginning up till the time the high court in Kano pronounce him innocent after all allegations.
“AA Zaura has no link with the charges brought forward. Our legal team on the other hand has been attending all court processes and has since filed a similar petition to the Supreme Court for further hearing on the matter.
“As a philanthropist and successful businessman, AA Zaura carved a niche for himself globally in the area of commerce, and his passion to do more for Kano and Nigeria inspired him to join politics to ensure that his people enjoy the dividend of democracy.
“He also believes in the most prominent models of political participation which focus on the ability to participate, showing that people higher in socioeconomic status are most likely to become active in the political process because they have the time, money, and/or civic skills necessary for participation.” Iceman, said.
According to the Spokesperson, AA Zaura’s decision to throw his hat into the ring has attracted enemies from opponents because he came to change the narratives.
He added that this is sequel to the fact that the level of poverty requires those with entrepreneurial skills to teach and empower others to become self-dependent, explaining that statistics are there for public scrutiny.
AA Zaura, according to Iceman, is therefore challenging every media practitioner to visit Kano State and verify since the return to democracy in 1999, if there is any young politician or businessman that has impacted the lives of the people positively in Kano State like AA Zaura. Is it a crime to build people and develop institutions? Why selective probe when a case has been quashed for lacking in evidence? He asked.
“Our principal’s real name is Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura but for brand marketing, he identified with his root at Zaura in Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State and by extension taking the name to the global space because Zaura is a rich mix of culture and civilization.
“Also, his ambassadorial role is felt everywhere, he lifted GPN, a political party to appear on the ballot box in Kano State during the 2019 elections. Yes, Zaura made a statement.
“These efforts and many others attracted the ruling APC in Kano State when he was lobbied to join the AllProgressives Congress (APC).
When he was contacted, he didn’t hesitate in accepting to serve on the platform. Today he is contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Congress for the Kano Central Senatorial Zone which comprises 15 local government areas of Kano State.”
However, he stressed that in the meantime, AA Zaura’s legal team is up and running in ensuring that we get a fair hearing and has furnished with details of every court session, adding that as a law-abiding person he is ready to appear in court to answer brought before him.
The Campaign Organisation’s Plea/Demand:
“In as much as we appreciate the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) role on the matter, we appeal for a fair hearing on the matter so that a proper investigation is done so as not to ridicule the process because of his hard-earned reputation which was earned through hard work many years now.
“We have seen how great people are made and we also have seen how great institutions collapse for lack of self-evaluation, our only appeal to the EFCC is that they should meet us at the Supreme Court to test the law to avert infractions.
“Our principal is not evading court procedures but we appeal to a section of the media not to be biased on this matter. We urged them to please take a step further in asking the right questions so that facts can be established before rushing to the press.
“AA Zaura is first a Nigerian with all rights and privileges and also a man of honour that is testing the political waters. This too will make him stronger and more committed to his passion for mankind.
“We appreciate our teaming support groups and friends waiting with their PVCs ahead of the 2023 general elections to vote for AA Zaura.
“Together we shall create a new path toward sustainability and growth for our generation and the next if we vote wisely.
“We are also advising EFCC to reduce media showcase and focus on its Constitutional mandate as Zaura’s appeal was pending before the Supreme Court in appeal No.Sac/CR/45_/2022. The matter is adjourned to 30th January 2023.
Signed: Ibrahim Garba Iceman, PA/Spokesman for AA Zaura campaign organization