Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has warned media organisations, particularly radio stations in the state, airing what he described as baseless and defamatory criticisms of his administration.
Yusuf threatened to take legal action against those who fail to heed the warning.
This comes in response to recent comments made by the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, who, in a viral video, alleged that he was removed from office because he refused to remit N2bn monthly to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Bichi further claimed that the governor personally appealed to him to approve the controversial payments but his refusal to obey led to his removal.
Addressing the controversy on Sunday during a meeting with 444 ward councillors, Governor Yusuf expressed frustration over what he called a media-fueled campaign of misinformation.
“We will not hesitate to take legal action against any media outlet that provides a platform for Baffa Bichi or anyone else to spread falsehoods and unfounded allegations against our leaders, “This will no longer be tolerated.” Yusuf declared.
Yusuf specifically accused certain radio stations of enabling Bichi to attack individuals and institutions without evidence.
He also questioned the mental stability of the former SSG, describing his allegations as baseless and lacking any factual grounding.
“I believe Baffa Bichi is mentally unstable. His claims are nothing but fabrications that do not reflect the operations of this administration,” Yusuf stated.
He also criticised Bichi’s track record, noting that his appointment as SSG had been opposed by religious leaders and other stakeholders, yet the administration still gave him the opportunity to serve.
“Your attempt to malign the name of Kwankwaso will not go unchallenged. You have made accusations that you cannot substantiate,” the governor said.
Governor Yusuf defended Kwankwaso’s legacy, highlighting that he has served the country as a former Minister of Defence, two-term governor, and senator. He maintained that there was no credible evidence of wrongdoing against the former NNPP presidential candidate.
The governor warned that Bichi’s continued attacks on political, religious, and traditional leaders could lead to his name being removed from the list of Kano’s recognized indigenes.
