Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has ordered the immediate suspension of a senior political aide, Ibrahim Rabi’u, over an unauthorised and inflammatory statement regarding the political status of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Rabi’u, who served as Senior Special Reporter in the Ministry of Transportation, has also been issued an official query. His suspension follows remarks speculating on Kwankwaso’s alleged defection—comments that have sparked widespread criticism and prompted the state government to distance itself from the claims.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity, Government House, and released through the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim.
In the statement, the Kano State Government firmly disassociated itself from Rabi’u’s comments, declaring the statement “solely the opinion of the author, made for reasons best known to him.”
The government emphasized that all political appointees must obtain proper clearance before making public statements on sensitive political issues or matters concerning the official stance of the administration.
“This should serve as a warning to all political appointees,” the statement read. “Unauthorized public communication, especially beyond one’s official purview, will not be tolerated.”
It also reiterated that only the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Garba Wayya, is authorized to speak on behalf of the state government, while Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa remains the official spokesperson for the Governor.
The suspension comes amid heightened political sensitivities in Kano, particularly as discussions around potential defections continue to dominate public discourse.
Governor Yusuf’s swift action is seen as a move to reinforce discipline within his administration and uphold the principles of responsible governance.
The suspended aide is expected to respond to the query and may face further disciplinary measures pending the outcome of an investigation.
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