By Yakubu Ahmed BK
When ambition crosses the line into recklessness and deception, the fall is not only swift but often disgraceful. In recent days, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Chika Malami, released a video purportedly expressing condolences to victims of a bandit attack in Tadurga, Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. While his delivery may appear sincere on the surface, a closer examination reveals it for what it truly is: a calculated political stunt aimed at manipulating public sentiment to further his ambition of becoming governor.
Malami’s claim that over 200 people were killed in the attack is not only grossly misleading but also shamefully dishonest. Verified reports from community leaders, security agencies, and humanitarian responders confirm that 10 lives were tragically lost in Tadurga. For a man who once held the nation’s highest legal office to so callously distort such sensitive facts is not just irresponsible—it is dangerous.
This isn’t about Malami’s political ambition. Any citizen is free to aspire to public office. The issue here is the method: exploiting tragedy, inflating death tolls, and painting the state government as negligent to score cheap political points. It is an egregious abuse of public trust. By fanning the flames of fear and division, he risks undermining the peace and unity Kebbi has long enjoyed.
Even more troubling is the hypocrisy. During Malami’s eight years in office as Justice Minister—arguably one of the most powerful men in the federal government—security across the country worsened. Banditry escalated unchecked. Thousands were displaced. Lives were lost. And yet, Malami said little, did even less. He neither visited affected communities nor led any visible intervention efforts. His silence then speaks louder than his crocodile tears now.
The same Malami who failed to act during the peak of insecurity is now shedding tears before the cameras. Not out of empathy—but out of desperation. While he was silent when his voice mattered most, he now finds it convenient to speak, manipulating figures to stoke panic and create a false narrative of state failure—all to boost his political relevance.
In contrast, Governor Dr. Nasir Idris and his administration have taken decisive action. The Kebbi State Government has provided logistics, worked closely with security operatives, and facilitated successful operations that have neutralized threats, restored displaced communities, and brought relative peace to affected areas. The difference is clear: where Malami once stood aloof, Kebbi’s current leadership has taken responsibility.
It is telling that in the face of this progress, Malami seeks to rewrite the story—to replace fact with fiction and hope with fear. But Kebbi people are not so easily deceived. They see through the theatrics. They remember who stood with them in times of need—and who disappeared.
Power, ultimately, belongs to God. No amount of manipulation, deceit, or exaggerated statistics will force destiny’s hand. The people of Kebbi State are discerning, and when the time comes, they will choose wisely. They will reject scare-mongering and reward genuine service.
It is not only disheartening but disgraceful that a former high-ranking official would stoop so low as to politicize the deaths of innocent citizens. Such antics are unbecoming of a leader and insulting to the very people he claims to want to serve.
Let the record be clear: Kebbi State will not be held hostage by those who see tragedy as a ladder to power. The time for deception is over. The people are watching. And they will remember.
Yakubu Ahmed BK is the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Kebbi State.
June 21, 2025