By Muhammadu Sabiu
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has commended Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his prompt response in dismissing two of his aides following a disturbing incident involving a death threat against judges of the governorship tribunal and derogatory comments made about Vice President Khasim Shettima.
The incident unfolded on Thursday when the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, addressed journalists during a special prayer session organized by NNPP supporters.
In a shocking statement, Kibiya issued a threat to the judges of the governorship tribunal, warning that anyone accepting a bribe to manipulate the judgement would face dire consequences.
Simultaneously, during the same prayer session, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sport, Yusuf Imam, known as Ogan Boye, made a series of derogatory remarks against Vice President Khasim Shettima concerning the impending gubernatorial tribunal judgement.
Barr. Suleiman Gezawa, Chairman of the NBA’s Kano branch, expressed his views on the matter in on Friday during an interview with a Nigerian online newspaper.
Gezawa called upon Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to take disciplinary action against Commissioner Kibiya, emphasising that the statements made did not represent the official stance of the state government.
In a swift response, the State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, confirmed on Friday evening that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had terminated the appointments of Commissioner Adamu Aliyu Kibiya and Special Adviser Yusuf Imam.
Governor Yusuf also issued a directive, instructing all heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to confine their comments and interviews to their respective offices.
Chairman Gezawa of the Kano NBA applauded Governor Yusuf’s decisive actions, emphasising the importance of distancing the administration from the careless comments made by his aides.
Gezawa further called upon security agencies to launch an investigation into the death threat issued by Commissioner Kibiya, suggesting that there might be ulterior motives behind the threat.
The swift response by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been described by many as a clear show of commitment to upholding the integrity of the judicial process and preserving the dignity of public office in Kano State.
