Malami’s statement on terrorism not political – Governor Idris By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi 

Kebbi State Governor,  Nasir Idris has added his voice to the call for the arrest and prosecution of former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami over allegations of importation of mercenaries to the state.

 

 According to Idris Malami’s claims have sparked widespread concern, with potential implications for the state’s socio-economic development projects. 

 

  He made the statement at an interface with the coalition of Civil Society Organisations who paid him a solidarity visit on monday,the Governor expressed his worries about the allegations’ potential to scare foreign investors who have shown interest in establishing agro-allied processing, cement and mining industries in the state.

 

 The governor explained that already some foreign companies executing federal and state road projects have started abandoning sites due to rumors of banditry attacks stemming from Malami’s allegations.

 

“Malami to camouflage, accused the Kebbi State government of importing mercenaries, when his hired armed political thugs from some neighbouring states unleashed mayhem on innocent people and vandalised many valuable properties in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital last week.” 

 

Mister Idris maintained that Malami’s allegations have raised concerns about the potential impact on the state’s security and stability ,the situation that made the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero to called for Malami’s immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution over the allegations.

 

He stressed that the allegations should not only be considered as mere politically motivated allegations made out of hopelessness and desperation but also a clear  act of economic sabotage and terrorism attempt. 

 

On whether the allegations were aimed at blackmailing him preparatory to the 2027 elections, the he declared “that will amount to waste of their time and resources “

He added that ” i enjoy unprecedented support and goodwill from the people, just as they demonstrated their absolute confidence in my capacity and ability to continue purposeful and results oriented governance “.

 

The governor posited that   the main concern is not his political interest but the potential for derailing the execution of valuable socio-economic development of the state. “

 

Already, Coalition for Justice and Equity (CJE) has urged the security agencies to put Malami on their terrorism watchlist, describing his actions as a ” smokescreen” to promote a terrorist agenda “.

 

The APC stakeholders have unanimously passed a vote of absolute confidence on Governor Idris, endorsing his second-term bid which was believed to be responsible for Malami’s frustration and hopelesness and eventually resorted to hooliganism and political thuggery thereby attempting to undermine the peace and progress of the state.