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By Tracy Moses
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has fired back at his former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, over what he described as “malicious and desperate lies” aimed at destabilizing his administration and misleading the public.
Dr. Bichi, who was recently sacked from his position, had in a viral video accused the Yusuf-led government of committing “ten times more corruption” than the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
He claimed to possess evidence of gross mismanagement and alleged that the state is being run worse than under Ganduje, whose tenure was marred by corruption allegations.
“All that we alleged Ganduje did wrong during his eight years, this government has done ten times over in just two years,” Bichi claimed. “We only suspected Ganduje, but for this one, we have evidence. They have committed ten times as much in less than two years.”
He further hinted that the administration may not survive beyond 2027, pledging to lead a campaign to unseat it.
Reacting on Sunday, May 4, 2025, during a strategic meeting with 484 councillors of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, Governor Yusuf described Bichi’s comments as “the ramblings of a bitter man seeking political relevance.”
“Baffa Bichi is a shameless liar,” the governor declared, drawing thunderous applause from party loyalists. “Everything he said is a concoction of falsehood, motivated by vengeance, not patriotism.”
Governor Yusuf questioned the credibility of Bichi’s allegations, pointing out that he served as SSG for over a year without raising concerns about the alleged corruption.
“You were part of this administration for more than a year. If you had an ounce of integrity, you would have spoken out then. But you waited until you were dismissed for gross incompetence and health-related incapacity. That tells the people all they need to know about your character,” Yusuf said.
The governor also dismissed as “political wickedness” Bichi’s claim that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, NNPP national leader and founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, receives N2 billion monthly from the state.
“Senator Kwankwaso is one of the most selfless leaders this country has ever produced. He has not demanded a single kobo from this administration. He remains focused on mentoring a new generation of leaders, not looting state coffers,” Yusuf affirmed.
The governor alleged that Bichi’s sudden outburst was linked to his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside 14 others, many of whom were previously suspended from the NNPP over alleged disloyalty and abuse of power.
“He wants to be seen as useful to his new political masters, so he concocts lies and throws dirt, hoping some will stick,” Yusuf said.
Dismissing what he termed “recycled propaganda tactics of desperate politicians,” the governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to good governance and the development of Kano State.
“Our government is built on transparency, service delivery, and the will of the people. No amount of noise from political failures will distract us. The people of Kano know the truth, and they are standing with us,” he stated confidently.