Political Tension In Kebbi: Northern Youths Want Malami Called To Order
By our correspondent
The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Discussion Forum expressed grace concern over surge in violent political activities in Kebbi and other states in northern Nigeria.
They therefore called on the security and intelligence agencies to urgently check the trend.
Addressing a press conference at Arewa House, Kaduna, the forum’s director of Media and Public Affairs, Muhammad Isah Imam, expressed concern that recent events in Kebbi State, particularly involving former Attorney General of the Federation posed a threat to peace and stability.
Imam said that while political tension had also been reported in Kaduna, Katsina, and Kogi, “Kebbi stands out” because of Malami’s alleged involvement.
He noted that Malami was a key figure in the 2014 APC coalition and is now active in the opposition ADC coalition, but argued that the violent atmosphere surrounding his activities was unprecedented.
The forum accused Malami of mobilising youths, some of them armed, during his recent visit to Kebbi, contrary to his claim that he was on a condolence mission.
“The video of his arrival at the airport, the language used, and the manner of the youth brandishing weapons that escorted him into town leading to a violent clash did not portray a condolence visit,” Imam said.
He further faulted the role of security agencies in the state, contrasting it with Kaduna where police had banned political gatherings to prevent unrest.
According to him, despite petitions and legal representations, the police in Kebbi insisted on the personal appearance of a former governor, a move the forum considered inadequate in curbing escalating tensions.
Imam reminded political actors that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet lifted the ban on campaigns and warned against heating up the polity.
“A state like Kebbi or any other state in the North can ill afford political violence that will worsen already bad security situations,” he said.
The forum urged security and intelligence agencies to “nip the situation in the bud” by reining in Malami and other politicians whose actions could destabilise the fragile peace in the region.
“The escalation of political violence in Northern Nigeria as seen with actors like Malami is a threat to democratic stability with potential consequences for the nation’s fragile democracy,” Imam added.
