In response to a recent press release titled “Re-Purchase of Campaign Vehicles by Kebbi State House of Assembly,” the Strategic Communications Adviser to Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko, Muhammad Muhammad, has raised strong objections over what he described as factual misrepresentations and inappropriate executive meddling in legislative matters.
In a statement issued on behalf of Hon. Koko, the adviser first clarified a significant error regarding the lawmaker’s constituency. Contrary to claims in the release, Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko represented Koko/Besse and Maiyama Federal Constituency, which falls under Kebbi Central Senatorial District, not Kebbi North. He urged the authors of the press release to exercise due diligence and ensure accuracy when addressing matters involving public figures and national records.
More critically, Muhammad expressed concern over the Kebbi State Executive’s involvement in matters that fall squarely under the purview of the State House of Assembly. He described it as “procedurally questionable” and a violation of the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
“It is unusual and troubling that the executive arm would speak on behalf of an independent legislature, especially on internal issues like vehicle procurement,” the statement noted, stressing that such overreach threatens the autonomy of the legislative institution in Kebbi State.
On the issue of the vehicle purchase itself, Hon. Koko was said to have merely raised “critical questions” in his role as a stakeholder and responsible citizen concerned with transparency and prudent use of public funds. The statement condemned the labeling of his concerns as “mischief,” describing such dismissal as counterproductive and emblematic of a government unwilling to tolerate accountability.
“In a time when Kebbi citizens are grappling with insecurity, poverty, and systemic underdevelopment, the focus should be on solutions, not smear campaigns,” Muhammad said.
He concluded by calling on all arms of government in Kebbi State to respect institutional boundaries, foster open dialogue, and embrace constructive criticism as part of the democratic process.
The full statement below.
RE: Misrepresentation of Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko’s Constituency and the Role of the Executive in Legislative Matters
My attention has been drawn to a recent press release titled “RE-PURCHASE OF CAMPAIGN VEHICLES BY KEBBI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY”, in which several inaccuracies and misrepresentations were made concerning Honourable Shehu Muhammad Koko.
First and foremost, it is important to correct the factual error regarding Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko’s political representation. Contrary to what was stated in the release, Honourable Shehu Muhammad Koko represented Koko/Besse and Maiyama Federal Constituency under Kebbi Central Senatorial District, not Kebbi North. We urge the authors of the statement to ensure due diligence and accuracy when addressing matters of public record.
Secondly, the press release raises concerns about the role of the executive arm of government interfering or responding on behalf of the State House of Assembly, which is constitutionally an independent legislative body. It is unusual and procedurally questionable for the executive to speak on behalf of the legislature, particularly on issues such as the purchase of vehicles by the Assembly. This not only undermines the doctrine of separation of powers but also raises further concerns about the autonomy and independence of the legislative institution in Kebbi State.
Regarding the purchase of vehicles, Honourable Koko raised critical questions as a concerned stakeholder and citizen, reflecting his right to engage in public discourse especially when public funds are involved. Branding such engagement as “mischief” rather than addressing the substance of the issue is regrettable and unhelpful in fostering transparent governance.
The current socio-economic challenges faced by Kebbi citizens including insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment demand sincere and inclusive governance, not a defensive posture. Constructive criticism and accountability should be welcomed as ingredients of a healthy democracy.
We call on all arms of government and political actors in Kebbi State to uphold transparency, respect institutional boundaries, and engage in issue-based dialogue rather than personal attacks.
Signed
Muhammad Muhammad
SA strategic communications to
Hon Shehu koko psc Fccf