‘Be Wary of Marafa’, Former Zamfara Governor Yari Tells Buhari, APC Chieftains

The animosity between the immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, and the lawmaker that represented Zamfara Central District in the Eighth Senate, Kabiru Marafa, seems not to be ending soon after the election.

Marafa had accused Yari of nursing strong animosity towards President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that the former governor has been scheming to become the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said the veiled motive behind the ex-governor’s chairmanship ambition was to use the position to undermine President Buhari and his administration. Marafa also alleged that the ex-governor was working with some serving APC governors to actualise a mission to deconstruct the President.

READ: APC Still Strong And Intact in Zamfara – Yari

In his reaction, Yari said that Marafa was trying to curry undue favours from President Buhari after he (Marafa) had conspired with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to “snatch” Zamafara state for the opposition.

Yari stated this in a statement on Wednesday signed by his media aide, Mayowa Oluwabiyi. He, therefore, advised President Buhari and leaders of the APC to be wary of the antics of the ex-senator.

While reminding the ex-lawmaker of how he and a few others had stood with President Buhari since the President’s days in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) through his sojourn in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and up till today, Yari said they nurtured Buhari’s ambition from the minority level.

“Myself, along with several others, believed and nurtured the Buhari dream even from a minority situation. I have been loyal, and I will continue to be loyal to President Buhari, who I consider as my father.

“I am only focused on how the APC can remain more united and potent as the country consolidates on the dividends of democracy under President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I recall that in the early days, it was just about seven of us that formed the seed block for the Buhari project, with me as the Secretary while Hajia Najatu Mohammed and Senator Seidu Kumo were actively involved in the project.

“Senator Marafa is ignorant of President Buhari’s political journey, so there should be a limit to how far he can go in trying to win favours with the authorities.”

He further stated that President Buhari is not swayed by people who deliberately peddle falsehood to please him, adding that he was inspired by President Buhari’s comportment and actions since his entry into politics.

Speaking on the plans of Marafa to smear his image, Yari said the President’s leadership style has continued to rekindle his belief in the system.

“The gradual walk by President Buhari towards the mantle was the game plan, and by God’s grace, it has paid off.

“Insinuations that I am bent on becoming the APC chairman as part of a grand design to undermine the President is very laughable, as there is no basis for anyone to contemplate such towards a very popular President that has just been rewarded with a second term.

“It is instructive to note too that as chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), I ensured the President had a productive synergy with the governors across party lines.

“The camaraderie between myself and members of the NGF only speaks of a leader that has continued to avail all institutions of his goodwill and support.”

Continuing, Yari further cautioned Marafa against spinning false narratives aimed at pitting him and the President, saying such antics will not work.

READ: Zamfara Killings: Check The Constitution to Check if You Can Arrest Me, Yari Tells Matawalle

“Recall that Senator Marafa it was, working in concert with other desperate elements who for their inordinate individual ambitions, sabotaged APC chances in Zamfara state during the last general election.

“Marafa should rather first check where his loyalty stands given that his relationship with the PDP led government in Zamfara State is common knowledge.

“The good people of Zamfara State and Nigerians, in general, hold nothing but gratitude and love for Abdulaziz Yari, who has continued to work tirelessly to support all who regularly come around him,” he added.

According to the former governor, the “mammoth crowd” that thronged his Zamafara home to welcome him back a few days ago showed that his popularity among his people has continued to grow.