Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, son of former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has launched a strong response against the newly appointed Kano State Commissioner for Information, describing his alleged comments about him as false, malicious and an attempt to destroy his reputation.
Mustapha, who is the Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Kano State, made his position known in a strongly worded press statement following remarks allegedly made by the Information Commissioner during a media programme.
The controversy reportedly centred on allegations that Mustapha had visited several rehabilitation centres across the world and that his personal circumstances influenced his father's decision to establish the Kiru Reformatory Institute.
Rejecting the claims, Mustapha described them as a deliberate attempt at character assassination and political distraction.
On the establishment of the Kiru Reformatory Institute, he insisted that the allegation was historically impossible, explaining that he was living in Dubai throughout his father's second term as governor, when the institution was established.
He maintained that Kiru was established as a government initiative to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate young people into society, describing attempts to associate the institution with his personal circumstances as an insult to the thousands of youths who had benefited from it.
Mustapha also dismissed claims that his father did not trust him with investments and institutions, including Skyline University, Mewar University and his father's farm.
He argued that his father raised him to become independent and self-reliant, adding that he had successfully established businesses of his own, including a rice mill that provides employment opportunities and contributes to Kano's economy.
Describes 'Executive Rehabilitation' Remark as Insult
Reacting to the alleged description of his appointment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports as "executive rehabilitation", Mustapha strongly condemned the remark, insisting that his appointment was an opportunity to serve the people of Kano State rather than an opportunity for personal rehabilitation.
He expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor for appointing him into the State Executive Council, maintaining that he discharged his responsibilities with sincerity, commitment and loyalty, particularly in serving the state's youths.
In a direct challenge to the Information Commissioner, Mustapha questioned whether he was appointed to communicate government policies, programmes and achievements to the public or to attack political opponents.
He further questioned whether the allegations were the Commissioner's personal initiative or whether he was acting on behalf of his principal.
Gives Commissioner 48 Hours to Apologise or Face Legal Action
In what appears to be the strongest part of his response, Mustapha issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Commissioner for Information, demanding a complete withdrawal of the alleged statements and an unreserved public apology to him, his family and the people of Kano State.
He warned that failure to comply would leave him with no option but to seek legal redress through his lawyers.
"I will not allow my name, my family's name, and my record of service to be dragged through the mud for cheap politics," he declared.
Despite the strong language of his response, Mustapha maintained that he would not be dragged into personal insults, insisting that his attention remained on contributing to a better future for Kano State.
He concluded by stressing that politics should revolve around ideas, programmes and performance rather than allegations and attacks on people's character.
The unfolding controversy has added another dimension to the political exchanges in Kano State, with attention now turning to whether the Information Commissioner will respond to the 48-hour ultimatum.
