The Kebbi State House of Assembly has dismissed a petition by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Abubakar Malami, accusing Governor Nasir Idris of importing political thugs and foreign mercenaries to destabilise the state.

Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the Speaker of the Assembly, Muhammad Usman, described Malami’s allegations as baseless, unfounded, and mischievous, insisting that Kebbi remained one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

“Kebbi State has, over the years, earned a reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country. Any attempt to tarnish that record by some jealous individuals is an attack not only on the government but also on the good people of Kebbi State,” Usman said.

The Speaker said the petition amounted to a calculated attempt to sow division and fear among the populace.

“The allegations are not only baseless, unfounded, and mischievous, but they are also clearly designed to distract the government from its developmental strides,” he added.

He stressed that the Kebbi State Government had no history of importing political thugs or mercenaries and that its politics was rooted in dialogue and respect for democratic values.

“Our politics is rooted in dialogue and respect for democratic values. Therefore, these allegations are malicious and entirely without proof,” Usman maintained.

According to him, security agencies operating in the state had not reported any intelligence linking the government to such activities.

While urging residents to remain calm, the Speaker called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate Malami’s claims and “prosecute him if found culpable,” stressing that this would serve as a deterrent to others who might want to raise false alarms.

Malami’s Allegations

Naijaonpoint reports that Malami, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi, had on Wednesday written to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging a plot to destabilise Kebbi.

In his petition, Malami alleged that some political actors in the state were working with mercenaries from the Niger Republic while trafficking illegal arms to intimidate citizens, silence opposition, and create unrest.

He further claimed that on September 1, he and other indigenes were attacked by armed thugs “operating without fear of law enforcement.”

Malami warned that the alleged activities posed serious threats not only to Kebbi’s peace but also to Nigeria’s national security and sovereignty.