In the harsh deserts of Nigerian politics, betrayal has never been a stranger—but in Kebbi State, its venom runs deeper than the River Rima. At the center of this political drama is former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, a man whose generosity and strategic foresight gave rise to political giants—many of whom have now turned against him.
From humble beginnings to positions of power, these men rode the wings of Malami’s benevolence, only to repay him with calculated treachery. The tale is bitter, the betrayal—profound. The question on the lips of every political watcher in Kebbi is: What more can one do for a political ally?
Let’s start with Sadiq Abubakar Gebe, whose political journey began when Malami influenced his appointment as the caretaker Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kebbi State and eventual appointment as a member of the governing council of federal university Birnin kebbi. His rise—politically and economically—was guided and sustained by Malami's empowering support over the years. Yet today, he stands among the imported disloyals brought into kebbi from sokoto for a hatchet job aimed at attacking the integrity of Abubakar Malami- the man that stood for him through thick and thin in provision of ladder that he climbed to stardom and prominence
Then comes Atiku Bunu Jega, whose elevation to the position of APC pioneer Chairman in Kebbi, Commissioner for Works, and later, a Federal Commissioner at the Federal Character Commission, was facilitated by Malami out of desire to support the army of supporters of Abubakar Malami in jega and neighboring towns of jega local Government. Those that were prominently entitled to be supported by Atiku Bunu being the supporting political forces include Ado Taller, Alaramma Dantsoho, Sule Bodi, Yahaya Kakale Mai Shadda and Mudassir amongst others. Today Bunu enjoys economic comfort and political relevance but could not extend a helping hand to these fellow comrades from jega. His silence is now the loudest scandal in Jega
Alhaji Umaru Dan Kane Jega rose from being a humble trader in Jega to becoming an Executive Director at the Federal Mortgage Bank—another testament to the Malami Project. A transformation so immense, one would think loyalty would come naturally. Yet here too, the chains of gratitude were broken.
Bashar Matawalle was nominated and supported by Malami to become the pioneer Secretary of APC in Kebbi, Sole Administrator of Argungu Local Government, and later, a Member of the House of Representatives. All the resources, all the energy came from one source—Malami. But Matawalle, like others, now dances to the tune of a different piper.
Aminu Shamaki, once elevated to a foreign mission and later brought close as Special Assistant to Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and other numerous assignments under the office of the Honorable Attorney General and Minister of Justice Malami, has also changed course. He has chosen to forget the fact that his rise to prominence and political polish that made him an attractive product and acquisition of roof on his head were products of association with Malami
Dr. Hali Bala was dismissed from service of Waziri Umaru polytechnic at a time when his in law was a chairperson of the Governing Council of Waziri Umaru federal polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi. Malami fought his legal battle to have the dismissal, lifts off his head and later facilitated the appointment of his wife as a permanent secretary in the public service of the state and his appointment as Federal Commissioner at the National Population Commission. He ever since similarly walked away with impunity
Alhaji Abubakar Ardo, empowered with both financial capital and an executive vehicle to establish political and business presence, has gone mute in his loyalty and ended up coordinating rebellion with impunity
Alhaji Garba Bakanike, handpicked and nominated as Deputy Chairman of APC in Kebbi and supported for business after a Malami-funded pilgrimage of his wife and procured employment in public service for his offspring now looks the other way.
These men were not only lifted to political relevance but also given economic lifelines. They were empowered from the ground up. Yet, when new political winds began to blow, they turned their backs on the very hand that fed them.
But the tale is not entirely painted in shadows.
There are still men of honor. Faruk Gwandu, ( Executive Director Sokoto Rima River), Dr. Sule Iko S. Sami (chairman federal medical center Keffi) and later member of Niger Delta Development Commission, and a host of others, products of Malami’s goodwill, have gone on to empower others, creating jobs and sustaining communities. They have remained loyal, true to the call, and unshaken in their allegiance.
Many national and international appointees facilitated by Malami continue to uphold the vision—the Malami Project—committed to progress, growth, and grassroots empowerment.
This story must be told—not as mere gossip, but as a warning to those who bask in newfound political attention. The betrayers may smile, they may flatter, but they are loyal only to the crown, not to the prince.
They follow power, not principle.
They honor positions, not the people who placed them there. Despite these betrayal Malami Project remains unshaken, solid and in a good shape fueled by the unflinching support of the people.
A long spoon is needed for this feast of deception.
Beware of the grins of those whose gratitude has withered.
For in Kebbi, when loyalty dies—it leaves a scar deeper than betrayal.
—By a CPC loyalist from Birnin Kebbi
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