Abubakar Chika Malami: Dancing on Graves in Pursuit of Power
By: Yakubu Ahmed BK
When a politician’s desperation consumes their judgment, their downfall comes swiftly and painfully. Ambition is healthy when tempered with responsibility and morality; however, crossing that line into recklessness and dishonesty leads to disgrace. Recently, ex-Minister of Justice of Justice Abubakar Chika Malami released a video ostensibly offering condolences to the victims of banditry in parts of Zuru Emirate of Kebbi state. He claimed, in the video, that 200 people were killed in Tadurga in Zuru local government when the truth 10 people lost their lives there.
On the surface, it appears sincere, but beneath, it reveals a calculated effort to manipulate public sentiment for personal gain—namely, his bid to become governor of Kebbi State.
He erred significantly from the outset by inflating casualties so whimsically. Such distortion of facts is inexcusable for a former minister, one entrusted with the nation’s justice and law enforcement system. This blatant falsehood suggests his condolence message was merely a political ploy, designed to paint the Kebbi government as ineffective, incite panic, and justify his ambitions. In doing so, he manipulates tragedy to score cheap political points and clear his pathway to power. Our concern is not his political aspiration per se; rather, it’s the fact that a man who should promote peace and unity chooses deception—undermining Kebbi’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states to advance personal interests.
It is bewildering that Malami, a man who served as Minister of Justice and a defector second most powerful man in that government for eight years during a period of rising insecurity, now seeks to exploit insecurity for political advantage. During his tenure and as powerful as he had become, national security deteriorated, and countless bandits and terrorists were released or escaped prosecution under his watch. When banditry first took hold in Kebbi, he was silent. He offered no concern, no visits to affected communities, providing no leadership, even as violence surged locally. His tenure coincided with a nationwide security decline that only worsened over time, culminating in chaos that his office failed to contain.
In Kebbi, rampant banditry has led to hundreds of deaths, especially in the southern parts of the state. Yet, Malami’s involvement has been negligible; he has never publicly expressed sympathy nor visited affected areas. His recent emotional display over the same tragedy appears motivated solely by a desperate desire for political relevance, not genuine concern. Meanwhile, the Kebbi government under Governor Dr. Nasir Idris has taken proactive measures—collaborating with security agencies, enhancing intelligence, providing logistics, and restoring peace. Their swift successes—neutralizing bandit leaders and allowing displaced residents to return—stand as testament to effective leadership.
Despite the unpredictable nature of banditry, Kebbi’s progress starkly contrasts Malami government’s earlier inaction. When Kebbi was repeatedly attacked with little response, Malami’s federal regime remained largely silent. Now, with the state taking decisive steps, he exploits a one off tragedy for political leverage. The outrage expressed across social media and the negative coverage aimed at Malami reflect his misjudgment and highlight that the people of Kebbi will not be deceived by opportunistic falsehoods. They recognize a man who abandoned their trust yesterday but now seeks to reclaim power through deception and manipulation.
Power is given only by God The Almighty. No amount of deception and manipulating figures will make Malami Governor. It is therefore very sad that subterfuge will be leveraged upon by a power hungry man to want to ignite panic and fear in the people for selfish political interest. At the right time, the people of Kebbi state will separate wheat from chaff and by so doing close the door on attempt at desperate power grab through illogic and scare mongering.
Yakubu Ahmed BK is the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Kebbi State
