Tinubu Campaign Council slams opponent for politicising alm to physically-challenged

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has condemned the negative spin which opposition parties have foisted on an act of charity by the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, who gave alms to a poor, physically-challenged old man at a townhall with the persons living with disability.

Deputy Spokesperson cum Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the PCC, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, issued the reprimand via a statement in Abuja on Wednesday 21 December, 2022.

Musawa wrote: “My attention has been drawn to the dishonest, erroneous and incorrect narrative spun by unctuous, dissipated, debauched and desperate elements within the opposition to turn a perfectly innocent video I posted of a kind act I witnessed my Principals carrying out into something mendacious and devious.

“As I watch the negative chronicle being spun by the opposition Svengalis, trying to enforce a specific negative narrative on the public, it is clear that the falsehood being spread stems from the devious imagination and wicked machinations of a desperate and self-combusting opposition.

“I would have dismissed the musings as the ranting of an inconsequential opposition, however I am compelled to make this response because of innocent Nigerians that may be misled by such devious rhetoric.”

The PCC spokesperson continued: “On Monday the 19th December 2022 at approximately 4:48 pm, I watched with appreciation and approbation as my two principals, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Kashim Shetima performed an act of kindness towards a poor and disabled man who was truly in need. After watching them, I was further convinced that these were two men of precious faith that have the heart of kindness, empathy and compassion. And I believed it was a story that needed to be told.

“In the Bible under Psalm (112:5-9), it is written “It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment. For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

“Equally under Proverbs 19:17, it is taught, ‘One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.’

“In Islam we are taught that The Prophet (PBUH) says the following in a hadith: “Muslims help each other only by passing the bridge of almsgiving.”

“Furthermore, in the Holy Quran (2:274) it is expressed that,”Those who in charity spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”

“Almsgiving by virtue of the two holy teachings, giving charity and alms specifically to help the poor become a core tenant for Muslims and Christians to abide by.”

Musawa added: “A few days ago I attended a gathering with the Presidential candidate of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Alhaji Kashim Shetima where they had a robust engagement with persons with disability. During the event, our principals had the opportunity to interact with a poor and disabled elderly gentleman. Borne purely out of compassion, my principals spoke to this gentleman, listened to him and performed the tenet of charity and alms giving towards him.

“As I watched this tender moment between the three men, I wanted to capture it and show the world the empathy that organically runs through the veins of my principals, and that raw spirit of charity that they both imbibe.

“I posted the video, not out of mistake, but with the intention of telling the compassionate story of the empathetic leadership that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, supported by Alhaji Kashim Shetima will surely give to Nigeria after they emerge victorious in the upcoming election, by the grace of The Almighty.