The APC Arewa Youths Merger Group has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to journalist Ja’afar Ja’afar, demanding an apology to the Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Barau I Jibrin, or face legal action. The group condemned Ja’afar for his remarks alleging that all the problems in Kano State are orchestrated by Senator Barau I Jibrin, while exonerating former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
In a communique issued to journalists after an emergency meeting held by the group’s executives, the APC Arewa Youths Merger Group accused Ja’afar of attempting to discredit Senator Barau I Jibrin and divide APC members. They claimed that Ja’afar has a history of discrediting prominent figures in Kano, particularly those affiliated with the APC.
The group highlighted that Ja’afar had previously released a video involving dollar transactions to discredit former Governor Ganduje, which led to criticism of Kano in the North. They alleged that Ja’afar is being used as a journalist to defame elders in Kano State, violating the principles of journalism.
Zaitawa, a member of the group, stated that even the current Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has not escaped Ja’afar’s fabrications. “If it were not for our respect for journalism, we would have taken legal action against him already,” Zaitawa said.
Hon Musa Mujahid accused Ja’afar of using his position as a journalist to defame the profession and insult elders. He claimed that Ja’afar accepted a contract to defame DSP Barau I Jibrin and spread lies about him.
Mujahid challenged Ja’afar for not addressing critical issues such as the lack of education in Kano, which UNICEF reported as having a low literacy rate due to government negligence. Instead, Mujahid accused Ja’afar of fabricating lies and blaming Barau I Jibrin for every dispute in Kano.
Zaitawa further alleged that Ja’afar had previously lied about food distribution issues and the tax bill, which were later approved by the Kano governor. He questioned why Ja’afar did not speak out about the shortcomings of the Kano State government and the dishonesty of its officials.
The APC Arewa Youths Merger Group warned Ja’afar that the youth of the APC in the North would not tolerate his defamation of their leaders. They demanded that Ja’afar retract his statement and apologize to Barau I Jibrin within 24 hours or face legal action in court.
