In a desperate and poorly crafted press release signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, the state government embarked on an embarrassing propaganda spree, attempting to vilify Honourable Shehu Muhammad Koko for raising legitimate concerns over the re-purchase of vehicles by the Kebbi State House of Assembly—a move that clearly reeks of premature campaign strategy masked as governance.
But as the dust settles from the state's defensive tantrum, one thing is now abundantly clear: Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko struck a nerve.
1. Basic Facts, Grossly Fumbled – As Pointed Out by Koko’s Aide
Let us begin with the most glaring blunder in the CPS’s statement: a fundamental misrepresentation of Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko’s political constituency. As rightly pointed out by Muhammad Muhammad, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to Hon. Koko, the lawmaker represented Koko/Besse and Maiyama Federal Constituency in Kebbi Central Senatorial District—not Kebbi North, as carelessly stated by the Governor’s media team.
That this elementary detail could be bungled by the highest media office in Kebbi State speaks volumes about the lack of attention to fact-checking, protocol, and professionalism in the Governor’s media machinery. If they cannot even locate Hon. Koko’s district on a map, how can they be trusted to manage information about Kebbi’s development agenda or spending priorities?
This correction, borrowed from Hon. Koko’s team, is not just about geography—it’s about credibility. And right now, the state government's press team has none.
2. A Rubber Stamp Assembly With No Voice
Perhaps the most disturbing revelation is not even about the vehicles themselves—but what the incident reveals about the State Assembly’s independence. In a constitutional democracy, the executive arm should not—and must not—speak on behalf of the legislature. Yet, that is exactly what Ahmed Idris did. He took it upon himself to justify a legislative procurement process, suggesting that the Kebbi Assembly no longer has the confidence or capacity to defend its own actions.
If this is not the very definition of a rubber-stamp legislature, then what is?
By speaking on behalf of the House of Assembly, the Governor’s spokesperson has confirmed suspicions that the legislative arm in Kebbi has been fully domesticated—rendered mute and dependent, unable to even issue a statement without executive clearance. This blatant disregard for the separation of powers is not only unconstitutional but dangerous for the future of democratic governance in the state.
3. Vehicles for Political Party Offices? What a Joke.
The CPS boldly claimed that the vehicles were not for campaigns but for "distribution to political party offices"—as if this somehow makes the expenditure less dubious. Let us be clear: State funds should not be used to strengthen political party structures. That is not governance. That is political corruption—an abuse of state resources for partisan advantage.
This confirms what Hon. Shehu Koko rightly pointed out: the state government is using public resources for early politicking ahead of 2027, in direct violation of democratic norms and the INEC campaign timetable.
4. Criticism Is Not Mischief—It Is Democracy in Action
Branding Hon. Koko’s well-grounded concerns as "mischief" is not only intellectually lazy, but also a desperate deflection tactic. Public funds demand public scrutiny. And when a former legislator of national standing raises questions, the government must provide answers—not insults.
Hon. Koko, through his aide Muhammad Muhammad, has reiterated that his intervention was never a personal attack but a civic duty to question governance decisions. Reducing such engagement to “machinations” only exposes the state government's disdain for accountability.
5. Poverty Is Not a Political Punchline
The CPS tried to dismiss Hon. Koko’s lamentation about the poverty and hunger in Kebbi by claiming that these are “national issues.” That’s true—but it’s also a cheap cop-out. If the Kebbi State Government has enough funds to procure luxury vehicles for political loyalists, it certainly has enough to invest in mass welfare programs, food interventions, and rural infrastructure.
Citizens are not fools. They can see the misplaced priorities.
6. Healthcare Inspections Don't Cancel Out Misuse of Funds
We are told the Governor is inspecting hospitals. Good for him. But inspecting health facilities while blowing funds on political logistics is like patching a roof while the house is on fire. Governance is not a PR tour. It is about choosing the people over politics, substance over show.
Final Word
Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko has proven to be the voice of reason in an increasingly sycophantic political atmosphere. He has demonstrated courage by speaking out when silence would have been more politically convenient. His message is simple: governance must be about the people—not the next election.
If Kebbi’s government cannot take constructive criticism without losing composure, then it is not ready for leadership in a democracy. The legislature must reclaim its autonomy, and the executive must stop speaking for every arm of government like a school headmaster.
Enough of the mockery. Kebbi deserves better.
Tags
News