By Kazeem waris
Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, son of former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has threatened to institute legal action against the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, over alleged defamatory remarks.
Mustapha reportedly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the commissioner, demanding that he retract the statements attributed to him and issue a public apology or face legal proceedings.
The development was monitored on BBC Hausa.
The dispute reportedly followed comments allegedly made by Dawakin Tofa during a radio programme, where he discussed Mustapha’s personal life, business activities and appointment as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Among the claims attributed to the commissioner were allegations that Mustapha had previously been taken to rehabilitation centres over drug-related issues.
He was also reportedly said to have described Mustapha’s appointment into the state cabinet as a form of “executive rehabilitation”.
The commissioner was further reported to have made remarks concerning the establishment of the Kiru Reformatory Institute and Mustapha’s alleged involvement in his father’s business interests.
However, Mustapha rejected the claims, describing them as false, malicious and capable of damaging his reputation and that of his family.
He reportedly clarified that the Kiru Reformatory Institute was established as a government initiative aimed at rehabilitating young people, insisting that its creation had nothing to do with any personal challenges involving him.
He also dismissed the claims concerning his business interests, maintaining that he had independently established his businesses.
Mustapha warned that he would pursue legal remedies if the commissioner failed to withdraw the alleged defamatory statements and issue a public apology within the 48-hour deadline.
The dispute comes amid reported political disagreements between the Kwankwaso political camp and the Kano State Government, adding another layer to the strained relationship.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation that Mustapha had formally instituted a court action against the commissioner.
