Coalition clarifies funds raised for Lawan’s governorship bid
The Coalition for Yobe East Progressive Youths has clarified that funds raised in honour of former Senate President, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, were originally meant to mobilise support for his Yobe governorship ambition.
Yerima Goni, President of the Coalition, stated this in a briefing on Monday, saying the fundraising followed the coalition’s assessment of Lawan’s experience, integrity, developmental and educational exposure, as well as his contributions to the state.
Goni said that following Lawan’s decision to withdraw from the governorship race, he directed that the funds entrusted to the coalition on his behalf be redirected to community development, humanitarian and life-saving interventions.
He said the coalition was currently undertaking internal planning for the interventions and had not formally engaged any external organisation or entity on the implementation or utilisation of the funds.
The president therefore dissociated the coalition from recent claims and comments circulating on social media concerning the funds, saying such claims did not represent the official position or activities of the coalition.
According to him, the funds remain held in trust and would be utilised strictly in accordance with the mandate given by Lawan.
Goni assured contributors, stakeholders and members of the public of transparency and accountability in the management of the funds.
He said proper records would be maintained for every kobo received and spent, while details of completed interventions would be made available to the public and presented to Lawan.
The coalition urged members of the public to disregard unverified information concerning the funds and rely on its official communications for accurate information.
