By Muhammad Hamisu Abdullahi
The attention of the Kano State Government has been drawn to videos trending on social media platforms featuring the state Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, making threatening statements on judges of the tribunal, while that of the Special Adviser on Youth and Sport, Alhaji Yusuf Imam, making unguarded and disrespectful statements on the nation’s Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima.
While condemning the unfortunate threat to the judges and the disrespect shown to Alhaji Shettima, the government categorically dissociated itself from the acts.
It clearly expressed that the acts did not represent its official position under the leadership of the governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Contained in a statement from the state Commissioner of Information, Malam Baba Halilu Dantiye, it said:
“It is important to emphasise that neither of the two officials have any clearance to speak on behalf of government and none of them serves as official spokesperson of the government.”
It added: “Kano State Government under HE Abba Kabir Yusuf holds the judiciary in very high esteem and expresses tremendous amount of respect to justices and all judicial officers.
“Beside the good understanding between the government and people of Kano State and Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Kano State Governor, HE Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, deeply respects the person and office of the Vice President, His Excellency, Alh. Kashim Shettima GCON and will not condone any iota of disrespect on the Vice President or any other Nigerian leader.
“For these reasons, the Governor of Kano State has relieved the two officials of their appointment with immediate effect: Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Alh Adamu A. Kibiya, and the Special Adviser on Youth and Sport, Alh Yusuf Imam.
“The Kano State Government has also directed that, henceforth, no official of government should speak on any matter outside the purview of their MDAs without express clearance and permission.
“Henceforth, unguarded and inflammatory statements will not be condoned.”
“The Ministry of Information is directed to ensure that all media outlets in the state, especially radio stations, are complying with the extant guidelines provided by regulatory agencies,” it added.
It stated: “While expressing our faith in the judicial process, believing very strongly that justice will prevail at all the levels of judicial processes, the Kano State Government wishes to call on all residents in the state to remain law-abiding and continue to go about their normal businesses without any hindrances.”
