By Samaila Bayo Birnin, Kebbi
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris has added his voice to the call for the arrest and prosecution of former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami over his allegations of importation of mercenaries to the state,saying his agenda is terrorism not political.
Malami's claims have sparked widespread concern, with potential implications for the state's socio-economic development projects.
The Governor during an interface with the coalition of Civil Society Organisations expressed his worries about the allegations' potential to scare foreign investors who have shown interest in establishing agro-allied processing, cement and mining industries in the state."Already, some foreign companies executing federal and state road projects have started abandoning sites due to rumors of banditry attacks stemming from Malami's allegations", he said.
He said Malami camouflaged and accused the Kebbi State government of importing mercenaries, when his hired armed political thugs from some neighbouring states unleashed mahem on innocent people and vandalised many valuable properties in Birnin Kebbi last week.
He maintained that his allegations have raised concerns about the potential impact on the state's security and stability ,the situation that made the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero to called for Malami's immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution.
Governor Idris stressed that the allegations should not only be considered as mere politically motivated allegations made out of hopelessness and desperation but also a clear act of economic sabotage and terrorism attempt. On whether the allegations were aimed at blackmailing him preparatory to the 2027 elections will amount to waste of time and resources.
"I enjoy unprecedented support and goodwill from the people, just as they demonstrated their absolute confidence in my capacity and ability to continue purposeful and results oriented governance" But his main concern over the allegations is not his political interest but the potential for derailing the execution of valuable socio-economic development of the state
