The Kebbi Progressive Youths (KEPYO) has dismissed the recent declaration by Abubakar Malami that he is embarking on a “rescue mission” to save Kebbi State, describing the claim as ironic and detached from political reality.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Hamisu Sani, KEPYO said it was both “interesting and astonishing” that a man facing multiple public allegations and lingering legal scrutiny relating to his time in office would speak of rescuing a state the group insists is “already in safe and competent hands.”
The youth group was reacting to Malami’s submission of his governorship nomination and expression of interest forms under the banner of the African Democratic Congress, where a spokesman to the former minister reportedly described Malami’s ambition as a mission to rescue Kebbi from insecurity, poor healthcare, educational decline and economic stagnation.
Sani, however, rejected what it called an exaggerated portrait of the state, arguing that Kebbi people are capable of distinguishing between political messaging and realities on the ground.
“It is curious that someone burdened by mountainous allegations of financial misconduct and public accountability questions would attempt to market himself as the saviour of a people who are not asking to be rescued,” the statement said.
The group further advised Malami to focus on addressing his personal and legal challenges instead of adding, in its words, “the rigours of a governorship race he is unlikely to win” to his list of problems.
“Rather than attempting to rescue Kebbi, Malami should first rescue himself,” KEPYO stated, insisting that the people of the state are not in distress and do not presently require political salvation.
The organisation maintained that Kebbi remains on a path of stability and progress, warning against what it described as politically convenient narratives aimed at manufacturing a crisis where none exists.
