Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has fired back at recent corruption accusations made against him and his administration, describing the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, as “mentally unstable.”
The governor’s strong response came during a key meeting with 444 ward councillors in the state on Sunday. Yusuf said Bichi’s claims, including an allegation that N2 billion was being allocated monthly to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, are completely false.
“I think Baffa Bichi is mentally unstable because if he is sound in his head, most of what he is attacking us with are baseless, unfounded insinuations that have no place in the runnings of an administration,” Yusuf stated while addressing the gathering.
The governor noted that despite several objections from respected Islamic scholars and other major stakeholders against Bichi’s appointment, his administration still gave him the role of SSG. Yusuf now says that decision was a mistake.
“Dr Baffa Bichi, despite series of rejections of his appointment by Ulamas and many other stakeholders, yet we appointed him to the exalted seat of SSG,” he said.
Yusuf went further, accusing Bichi of trying to destroy the reputation of Kwankwaso, who is seen as a political mentor to many in the NNPP.
“Your (Bichi) efforts in crippling and throwing the names of Kwankwaso into dustbin would not be taken lightly by us, you said all sorts of things against our leader that you cannot prove,” Yusuf warned.
He described Kwankwaso as an accomplished leader, saying his track record as a two-term governor, senator, and former Minister of Defence speaks for itself.
“Let me tell you that Kwankwaso has gone through life, he rose through the ranks politically and otherwise… but one cannot show where he has done anything wrong.”
Governor Yusuf also threatened serious consequences for Bichi, including stripping him of Kano State indigene status, due to what he described as repeated attacks on respected figures in the state, including political, traditional, and religious leaders.
In addition, the governor had words for certain radio stations he accused of offering Bichi airtime to spread falsehoods.
“We would not hesitate in taking legal actions against any medium that allows its space for the likes of Baffa Bichi to air their wrong notions and baseless unfounded insinuation on our leaders. We will not allow this to continue,” he said firmly.
