Mustapha, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports and the New Democratic Congress (NDC) deputy governorship candidate, issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the commissioner withdraw the alleged statements and tender a public apology.
The demand followed remarks attributed to Bature during an appearance on the Gabon Talk Show, where he reportedly made claims about Mustapha’s personal life, relationship with his father and alleged visits to rehabilitation centres.
One of the issues Mustapha addressed was the claim that his father established the Kiru Reformatory Institute because of his alleged personal challenges. He rejected the suggestion, explaining that the facility was created as part of a government initiative to rehabilitate and reintegrate young people into society.
He also dismissed suggestions that his business ventures depended on his father’s financial support, insisting that he had established businesses independently, including a rice processing factory.
On his previous appointment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mustapha rejected the reported description of the appointment as “executive rehabilitation”. He maintained that he was selected to serve the people of Kano State and carried out his responsibilities diligently.
The former commissioner accused Bature of using his public office to engage in personal and political attacks rather than communicating government policies, programmes and achievements to residents.
He also challenged the information commissioner to clarify whether the comments represented his personal views or were made on behalf of the state’s political leadership.
Mustapha demanded that Bature retract the disputed remarks and issue an unconditional public apology to him, his family and the people of Kano State within 48 hours.
He warned that failure to meet the demand would leave him with no option but to instruct his lawyers to pursue legal action.
Mustapha further maintained that he would explore all lawful means to protect his reputation, his family’s name and his record of public service, urging political actors to focus on governance, policies and performance rather than personal allegations.
As of the time of the report, the commissioner’s response to the ultimatum had not been made public.
