By Zailani Mustapha The Students Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent allegations publish...
By Zailani Mustapha
The Students Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent allegations published by Sahara Reporters against the Chairman of the CNG Board of Trustees, Dr. Nastura Ashir Sharif, describing the report as “defamatory, malicious, and completely unfounded.”
In an official statement released from its National Secretariat on Sunday, the group accused the online publication of attempting to malign Dr. Sharif’s character and sabotage his longstanding advocacy efforts.
“Sahara Reporters’ recent allegations against the BOT Chairman of the Coalition of Northern Groups and elder statesman Dr. Nastura Ashir Sharif are nothing short of defamatory and malicious,” the statement read. “Their attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his advocacy work is a clear example of journalistic irresponsibility.”
The group defended Dr. Sharif’s integrity, stating that his advocacy for human rights, social justice, and peaceful coexistence is rooted in sincerity and a deep concern for the future of Nigeria. “Dr. Nastura's advocacy work is rooted in his personal experiences and commitment to human rights, social justice and peaceful coexistence—not just for the northern region, but for Nigeria at large,” it said.
The CNG Students Wing also refuted claims purportedly made in a report by Amnesty International, describing it as “a fabricated report which lacks validity and reliability.” The group alleged the report was intended to “incite ethno-religious crisis” and urged the public to disregard it.
Defending Dr. Sharif’s inclusive ideology, the group noted, “Nastura Ashir is not a deceitful leader or like other northern elites who believe only Hausa-Fulani are northerners. He believes in the uniqueness of the North as the most diverse region in the country.”
In the statement signed by Comrade Hassan Adamu, National Coordinator of CNG Students Wing, the group demanded an immediate retraction of the article and a formal apology from Sahara Reporters. “We demand a retraction and apology for this character assassination,” the group insisted.
Despite what it described as a “smear campaign,” the coalition affirmed that Dr. Sharif remains committed to his mission. “Nastura Sharif remains steadfast in his pursuit of social justice and accountability. Sahara Reporters’ smear campaign won’t silence him or deter him from exposing human rights abuses.”
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its support for Dr. Sharif and warning media outlets against the dangers of sensational reporting that lacks a factual basis. “Sahara Reporters' allegations are a blatant attempt to discredit Dr. Nastura Sharif and undermine his advocacy work. We stand with him and demand accountability from media outlets that prioritise sensationalism over truth.”
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