Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has publicly accused the former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), of what he called “economic sabotage” and promoting “a terrorism agenda” disguised as politics.
The governor made these strong comments on Monday while receiving a coalition of Civil Society Organisations on a solidarity visit at his office.
Idris was responding to a recent petition by Malami, a chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress, who had written to top security chiefs alleging that the state government had imported mercenaries.
Malami claimed this was a looming threat to peace and stability, meant to intimidate the opposition. His petition followed an attack on his own convoy, where thugs vandalised vehicles in his motorcade.
But Governor Idris dismissed Malami’s claims entirely, describing them as “false, dangerous, and capable of undermining peace, stability, and economic growth in Kebbi.”
He went even further, stating that “Malami’s so-called allegations are nothing but smokescreens. They are not just politically motivated acts of desperation, but clear attempts at economic sabotage and terrorism.”
The governor explained that these accusations were already harming the state’s economy. He said they were scaring away foreign investors who were interested in setting up agro-allied processing, cement, and mining industries in Kebbi. Idris also added that some contractors handling federal and state road projects had abandoned sites due to heightened fears of banditry, which he suggested were made worse by Malami’s remarks.
Idris also turned the accusation back on Malami, alleging that it was in fact “his hired thugs from neighbouring states” that attacked Birnin Kebbi last week, vandalising property and terrorising residents.
The governor stressed that his priority was not personal political survival ahead of the 2027 elections but safeguarding socio-economic projects meant to transform the state. “My people have shown absolute confidence in me. I enjoy their support and goodwill. Anyone thinking of blackmailing me ahead of 2027 elections is simply wasting their time and resources,” he declared.
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