Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has fired the Commissioner who threatened judges presiding over the state’s governorship election petition tribunal.
In a popular social media video, Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning Adamu Kibiya was heard telling judges to choose between their life and their work while delivering judgment.
“People voted for us, and some are attempting to do us wrong.” We want to make it clear to the judges that we will not accept this. Any judge who is willing to deny us our rights will come to regret it. Whatever happens, we won’t care…,” he stated at a rally organized by members of the state’s ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
But, speaking to journalists in Kano Government House on Friday, Commissioner of Information Baba Halilu Dantiye stated the governor had ordered Kibiya’s immediate removal.
Dantiye went on to say that the governor had also approved the dismissal of his Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Aliyu Yusuf Imam, widely known as ‘Ogan Boye,’ for unguarded remarks.
According to reports, Oga Boye made “unguarded and disrespectful statements against Vice President Kashim Shettima.”
The commissioner for information stated that the statements made by Kibiya and Oga Boye do not represent the State Government’s position.
“While condemning the unfortunate threat to the Judges and the disrespect shown to the VP, we wish to make it categorically clear that the views expressed do not represent the official position of the State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Alh Abba Kabir Yusuf.”
“It is important to emphasise that neither of the two officials have any clearance to speak on behalf of government and none of them serves as official spokesperson of the government.
“Kano State Government under HE Abba Kabir Yusuf holds the judiciary in very high esteem and expresses tremendous amount of respect to justices and all judicial officers. Beside the good understanding between the government and people of Kano State and Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Kano State Governor HE Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf deeply respects the person and office of the Vice President His Excellency Alh. Kashim Shettima GCON and will not condone any lota of disrespect on the Vice President or any other Nigerian leader.
The government has also directed that, henceforth, no official of government should speak on any matter outside the purview of their MDAs without express clearance and permission.
“Henceforth, Unguarded and inflammatory statements will not be condoned. The Ministry of Information is directed to ensure that all media outlets in the state especially radio stations are complying with the extant guidelines provided by regulatory agencies.”
“While expressing our faith in the judicial process, believing very strangly that justice will prevail at all the levels of judicial processes, the Kano State Government wishes to call on all residents in the state to remain law-abiding and continue to go about their normal businesses without any hindrances”, the commissioner added.