The Kebbi State Government has distanced the APC from an alleged attack on former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his entourage, insisting that it was Malami’s supporters who instigated the violence.
Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, said Malami and his African Democratic Congress (ADC) loyalists were the ones who provoked unrest, contrary to claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) sponsored thugs against him.
Sarki stressed that the ruling APC in Kebbi State practices “clean politics” and had no hand in the disturbances that trailed Malami’s visit.
He said evidence and eyewitness accounts show that it was Malami’s group who attacked APC supporters and vandalized property.
APC absolves itself of blame
Sarki explained that Malami’s supporters first destroyed billboards and posters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris on their way into Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, this action alone proved that they did not come in peace.
“This allegation came from ADC members and their leader, Malami. They were the ones who provoked the trouble or attacked APC members. We have proof of what happened from the beginning of their entry,” Sarki stated.
He added that the ADC supporters went further by vandalizing property near the APC state secretariat and firing gunshots while openly brandishing dangerous weapons.
Malami’s role questioned
The Governor’s aide expressed shock at Malami’s involvement in the incident, saying it was unbecoming of a former Minister of Justice and Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be associated with political thuggery.
“It is surprising that a former Minister of Justice could find himself at the forefront, leading thugs to disrupt the peace of Kebbi politics,” Sarki said.
The Kebbi government condemned the actions of ADC members and their leader, urging Malami to pursue his political ambitions through democratic means rather than violence.
Sarki also called on APC supporters and residents of Kebbi to remain calm, noting that the matter was already before the police for investigation.
