Kano Governor Sacks Commissioner, Special Adviser Over Death Threats Against Election Tribunal Judges
Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State has sacked Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, and Yusuf Imam, Special Adviser on Youth and Sport, over death threat issued to governorship tribunal judges by the duo.
It was reported that Adamu Aliyu Kibiya in a viral video on Thursday after a special prayer by the NNPP supporters, publicly issued a death threat against the tribunal judges if as a result of bribe-taking, they gave judgement not favourable to them.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association has swiftly urged the state governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf to sanction the commissioner so as to distance the state from the statement.
On Friday night, while addressing journalists, Baba Halilu Dantiye, state commissioner for Information, announced the sacking of the two political officeholders over unguarded statement.
Baba Dantiye said, ‘’The attention of the Kano State Government has been drawn to videos trending on social media platforms featuring the State Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Alh. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya making threatening statements on Judges of the Tribunal, while that of the Special Adviser on Youth and Sport, Alh Yusuf Imam making unguarded and disrespectful statements on His Excellency Alh Kashim Shettima GCON the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
‘’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 the 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. ‘’
He further said, “Besides 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 iota of disrespect on the Vice President or any other Nigerian leader.
‘’For these reasons, the Governor of Kano State has relieved the two officials of their appointment with immediate effect : Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Alh Adamu A. Kibiya, and the Special Adviser on Youth and Sport, Alh Yusuf Imam.
The Kano State 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 strongly 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,” he added.