Kebbi Government Hits Back at Malami for Misusing Poverty Report

The Kebbi State Government has taken aim at Abubakar Malami, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress. They accuse him of using a United Nations Development Programme poverty report to attack Governor Nasir Idris’ administration. Officials say Malami is politicising the state's economic issues as the 2027 elections draw closer.

On Sunday in Birnin Kebbi, Yakubu Ahmed-BK, the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, shared the government’s stance in response to Malami’s comments about poverty, insecurity, and water shortages in the state.

Ahmed-BK stated that the poverty report, which shows Kebbi as one of Nigeria’s poorest states, should not be used to judge the current government without looking at the report's time frame, methods, and government responses.

He accused Malami of using the report selectively to undermine the All Progressives Congress-led government instead of offering real solutions to the problems facing the people.

"The question is not whether poverty exists in Kebbi; the question is what caused it, who had the opportunity to address it, and what is being done today to overcome it."

"Poverty is a serious social challenge, not a political trophy to be brandished for electoral advantage," the commissioner added.

This back-and-forth comes as political activity is picking up ahead of the 2027 general elections. Both the current governor and Malami are key players in Kebbi’s political race.

Malami, who previously held the position of Attorney-General of the Federation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been vocal about issues like poverty, insecurity, and lack of essential services in the state.

But Ahmed-BK challenged Malami’s record in government. He believes Malami's time in the federal office should also be factored in when judging his claims about the state’s issues.

He urged Malami to clarify what he did to improve life for Kebbi residents during his time in the Federal Government.

"Those who had the privilege of serving at the highest levels of government cannot simply detach themselves from the conditions that prevailed during their tenure and then present themselves as though they were never part of the system they now criticise," he said.

The commissioner insisted that the Idris administration should be judged based on real projects, policies, and measurable results, not just historical poverty statistics that lack context.

Regarding insecurity, Ahmed-BK defended the government’s actions against banditry. He pointed out that they provided operational vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies and community security groups.

He shared that the government had acquired many Hilux vehicles and thousands of motorcycles to boost the military, police, and local vigilante groups.

He also mentioned that they supported additional security formations and bases, including the 28 Armoured Brigade in Birnin Kebbi and the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri.

Ahmed-BK said that Governor Idris had visited communities affected by attacks, provided relief, and worked with relevant authorities to improve security across the state.

The commissioner also challenged Malami on his claim from June 2025 about the deaths of about 200 people in Tadurga Ward of Zuru Emirate.

He stated that local security sources and officials disputed that figure, suggesting the actual death toll was much lower.

He stressed the need for accurate reporting on attack casualties, warning that false figures could increase public fear and politicise the suffering of affected communities.

However, he did not provide specific casualty numbers from local authorities in his statement.

The government also responded to Malami’s comments about access to clean water. Ahmed-BK questioned how Malami could speak on this issue, given allegations about properties tied to him.

He referenced reports about several properties in Birnin Kebbi, including one linked to Malami’s child, arguing that valuable assets could be used to fund public services.

He noted that the worth of a single expensive property could cover several community water projects, depending on their costs.

Still, Ahmed-BK acknowledged that allegations about property ownership should be settled through legal channels and not treated as facts.

He did not go into detail about the properties or any legal matters in his statement.

In defending the government’s overall performance, Ahmed-BK said Governor Idris took office amid tough economic conditions but has initiated projects in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and social welfare.

He mentioned road construction, distribution of fertilisers, solar-powered water pumps, food assistance, teacher recruitment, scholarships, and cash transfer programs as efforts to improve lives.

The commissioner argued that just because poverty persists does not mean the government has failed. He believes development challenges need ongoing investment and long-term solutions.

He called on Malami and other political figures to go beyond mere criticism and propose realistic policy alternatives to deal with poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and lack of essential services.

"Kebbi cannot afford to abandon a path of development simply because those seeking political power choose to magnify its challenges while overlooking the work being done," Ahmed-BK said.

"Our people deserve honest debate, responsible leadership, and practical solutions, not the politicisation of their difficulties."

He urged residents to question what political figures say and judge the government based on its actions, accountability, and dedication to public welfare.