By Abdulkareem Haruna 

A federal lawmaker representing the Biu Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State has issued a strong denial of rumors circulating within his constituency regarding the sale of application forms for his agricultural empowerment initiative.

In a statement released Wednesday, Rt. Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu, a member of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives, addressed his constituents directly, stating that allegations of forms being sold for 2,000 naira (approximately $1.30 USD) through a specific financial institution were “entirely false and baseless.”

“I want to personally assure you that these claims are entirely false and baseless,” Aliyu declared. “I have never authorized, nor will I ever authorize, the sale of any forms or demand any form of payment from you for my empowerment initiatives.”

Aliyu, who holds the traditional title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), emphasized his “unwavering commitment”  to supporting the people of his constituency through “genuine and transparent empowerment programs, free of any financial burden.”

He urged his constituents to disregard the “fabricated stories” and treat them with “utmost contempt.” Aliyu reiterated his dedication to serving with “integrity and sincerity,” assuring the public that any legitimate information regarding his empowerment initiatives would be communicated through official and verified channels.

The emergence of such rumors highlights a potential vulnerability within communities where empowerment programs are anticipated, creating an opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to exploit the hopes of constituents. Aliyu’s swift and direct response underscores the importance of clear communication and vigilance in combating misinformation that could undermine genuine efforts to support local populations in the conflict-affected region of Borno State.

It remains unclear who is behind the dissemination of these false rumors. Aliyu’s office has not yet indicated whether any formal investigation into the source of the misinformation will be launched. However, his public statement serves as a clear warning to his constituents to be wary of unofficial channels and to rely solely on verified sources for information regarding his programs.