Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, has ordered the immediate suspension of one of his political aides, Ibrahim Rabi’u, over what the government described as an “unauthorised and inflammatory statement” linked to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Rabi’u, who served as Senior Special Reporter in the Ministry of Transportation, is facing disciplinary action for reportedly making a comment speculating on Kwankwaso’s alleged defection — a claim the state government has strongly disowned.
A statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity at the Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, and issued through the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, announced the suspension on Saturday.
The government condemned the remark, describing it as a personal opinion of the suspended aide “for reasons best known to him,” and distanced itself entirely from the statement.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that political appointees must seek official clearance before making public remarks on matters involving government positions or sensitive political issues.
“This action should serve as a stern warning to all political appointees. No unauthorised public statements will be tolerated,” the statement read.
The state government also reminded the public that only the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Garba Wayya, is authorised to speak for the Kano State Government, while Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa remains the official spokesperson for the Governor.
The move comes amid growing political tension and speculations over alignments within Kano’s political scene.
Rabi’u has been issued a formal query and is expected to respond, pending further investigation and possible additional disciplinary action.
