By RhemDy News
Governorship candidate of Accord in the forthcoming 2027 elections in Oyo State, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, has denied the allegation of sponsoring or shielding one Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as "Surii Ilupeju."
Surii Ilupeju has reportedly been declared by the Nigeria Police Force over allegation of his involvement in criminal act of armed robbery.
Hamzat, a renowned radio owner and presenter stated this in reaction to what he called "a malicious and mischievous publication circulating on social media seeking" to drag his name into a criminal matter involving the suspect.
He said he would ordinarily not dignify such desperate propaganda with a response except for the potential for misinformation and the need to set the records straight.
Oriyome said clearing his name has become necessary to address the falsehoods being peddled by those determined to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
"Let me state categorically that I have never, at any time, sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities. Throughout my public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now gubernatorial candidate of the Accord Party, I have consistently stood on the side of justice, truth, and the rule of law.
"The attempt to suggest that I bear responsibility for the personal actions or alleged criminal conduct of any individual simply because such a person may have had an association with me is both illogical and dishonest.
"Employment, acquaintance, or social interaction with a person does not confer knowledge of, or complicity in, every aspect of that person's private life," he said.
The media personality turned politician emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional institution with established procedures for investigating criminal allegations.
"If any individual is declared wanted or is under investigation, the appropriate course of action is to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without dragging innocent people into matters for political or personal reasons.
"I have always maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship with security agencies. Should the police require any lawful assistance from me regarding any investigation, I will not hesitate to cooperate fully, as I have done on numerous occasions in the interest of public safety and justice," he said.
Oriyomi maintained that the authors of the publication have clearly chosen the path of character assassination over facts, stressing that their intention was to score cheap political points by creating a false narrative around his person and aspiration to serve the good people of Oyo State.
"I urge members of the public to disregard this baseless attempt at guilt by association. Oyo people are discerning enough to distinguish between facts and propaganda.
"No amount of blackmail, false accusations, or coordinated smear campaigns will distract me from my commitment to the welfare, security, and progress of our dear state," he assured.
The gubernatorial candidate assured that he remains focused on the task of building a better Oyo State and will continue to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and service to humanity that have defined his life and career.
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