Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South in the National Assembly, has demanded a public apology and retraction from Hashim Dungurawa, the Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), over defamatory allegations made against him.
In a letter dated November 12, 2024, through his counsel, Barr. Sunusi Musa, SAN, Senator Sumaila issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Dungurawa to retract the statements and issue a public apology, warning that legal action would follow if his demands were not met.
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The letter claims that during an interview with Freedom Radio, Dungurawa accused Kawu Sumaila of serious allegations, including corrupt practices, election rigging, and political backstabbing. These allegations were also reportedly spread widely across social media platforms, damaging Sumaila’s reputation and questioning his political integrity.
“The attention of our client was drawn to a radio programme in which you made serious allegations of corrupt practices, election rigging, and political backstabbing against our client,” the letter reads. “In the interview, you falsely accused our client of serious crimes in the Hausa language.”
The letter further elaborates on specific claims made by Dungurawa, including accusations that Sumaila had misappropriated public funds intended for water provision and a stadium project in Sumaila Local Government Area during his time as a member of the House of Representatives. Dungurawa also allegedly accused the senator of accepting $80 million from Abubakar Kabiru Bichi to influence the 2023 Kano State governorship election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These claims, Sunusi argued, were designed to tarnish Sumaila’s hard-earned reputation by portraying him as corrupt, a money launderer, and a dishonest politician.
“Our client is a reputable politician who has built a reputation as an advocate of good governance and always practices the same in all the positions he finds himself in,” Sunusi stated. The lawyer emphasized that Sumaila had never faced allegations of corruption or election malpractice throughout his political career.
The letter also noted Sumaila’s distinguished public service, including his three terms in the House of Representatives, where he served as Deputy Minority Leader and later as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters. Sunusi maintained that Sumaila has always been known for his integrity and trustworthiness.
“We demand that you retract the statements in the same manner you made them and issue a public apology in two national newspapers within the 24-hour period,” the letter concluded. “Failure to do so will leave our client with no option but to seek legal redress in a court of law.”
As of the time of this report, Dungurawa has not responded to the demands.
