A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Kano as Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, son of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, threatens legal action against the state Commissioner for Information, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, over alleged defamatory remarks.
Mustapha, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports and deputy governorship candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), has given the commissioner 48 hours to retract the statements and tender a public apology or face a lawsuit.
The ultimatum followed remarks allegedly linking the establishment of the Kiru Rehabilitation Centre to Mustapha’s personal circumstances, a claim he strongly rejected.
Mustapha insisted that his father established the centre as part of a government initiative to rehabilitate youths, not because of any personal concerns involving him.
He also pushed back against allegations that he depended on his father’s political influence to build his business interests, including a rice processing factory.
The former commissioner maintained that he established his businesses independently and rejected suggestions that his appointment to the Kano State cabinet was intended to reform his character.
He said he accepted the appointment to serve the people of Kano State, dismissing insinuations surrounding his suitability for the position.
Mustapha further accused Sanusi Bature of turning the office of the Information Commissioner into a platform for political attacks rather than using it to communicate government policies and activities.
He demanded that the commissioner withdraw the alleged defamatory statements and apologise publicly to him, his family and the people of Kano State.
Mustapha warned that his lawyers would take over the matter if the commissioner failed to comply within 48 hours.
He said he was prepared to explore all lawful options to defend his reputation.
The NDC deputy governorship candidate also urged political officeholders to concentrate on governance, policy delivery and public accountability instead of engaging in personal exchanges that could undermine political discourse.