A youth advocacy group in Kebbi state, Kebbi Progressive Youths (KEPYO), has taken a swipe at former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over his recent public outburst, describing it as “cheap political showmanship” capable of heating up the polity.
The group, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mallam Musa Usman, expressed deep disappointment at the now-viral footage of Malami’s comments, which it described as “unbecoming of anyone who has ever held the exalted office of Nigeria’s chief law officer”.
Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had in the footage alleged that thugs sent from the headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were behind the attack on his convoy during a recent commiseration visit to the state capital. The youth group, however, dismissed the allegation as reckless, unfounded and politically motivated.
“It is deeply troubling that a lawyer of Malami’s standing would make such grave allegations without presenting a shred of evidence,” the group said. “How did he arrive at the certainty that the thugs who attacked his convoy were dispatched from the Kebbi APC state secretariat? Why would a party that truly intended to harm him be so careless as to harbour thugs in its headquarters for everyone to see?”
The statement further noted that Malami’s comments were not only unbecoming of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, but also an attempt to stoke unnecessary tension in Kebbi state, where the political atmosphere has remained relatively calm despite attempts by the former minister’s party, the Coalition for Democratic Congress (ADC) to stoke political tensions by moving in a campaign manner under the pretext of condolence visits.
According to the group, leaders who have occupied sensitive national offices owe Nigerians a duty of responsibility and restraint, especially in a volatile political climate where unverified allegations can trigger unrest. If he wants to do a political rally, approval should be obtained from the relevant security agencies.
“Malami should understand that as a stakeholder in Kebbi politics, his words carry weight. Therefore, he ought to weigh their implications before choosing to go public with unsubstantiated claims, thereby risking inciting division and mistrust, something the group can’t accept,” Usman said. “This is not the time for political brinkmanship or needless rhetoric. If Malami has political ambitions, let him save his energy for the election season, where his popularity can be tested at the polls, not in the court of public noise.”
The youth group also urged relevant stakeholders within the APC to thoroughly investigate Malami’s claims, not only to clear the air but also to ensure that individuals do not hide behind partisan loyalty to issue statements capable of discrediting the party without evidence.
Usman maintained that while no one denies Malami the right to freedom of expression, such freedom comes with the responsibility of truthfulness, decorum, and regard for national stability, especially to an extent of misquoting His Excellency and misrepresentation of facts.
“Nigerians expect better from those who have had the privilege of holding high offices. What we saw in that video was far beneath the standard expected of a former Attorney General of the Federation.”
As the political temperature gradually rises ahead of the next election cycle, the group called on politicians across the divide to embrace issue-based engagement rather than trading in sensational allegations that add no value to governance or the welfare of the people.