BY Bolanle Olabimtan
Bello Kirfi, a former minister, has instituted a suit against the Bauchi state government over his removal from office as a senior member of the Bauchi emirate council.
Born in 1933, Kirfi was stripped of his position as Wazirin Bauchi over “disrespect and disloyalty” to Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi.
Kirfi served as a minister in the 1980s under the government of the late Shehu Shagari, and in the 1990s, under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo.
Shehu Muhammad, secretary of the Bauchi emirate council, announced the sack in a letter dated January 3, 2022, and addressed to Kirfi.
Sa’adatu Kirfi, daughter of the former minister who was Bauchi commissioner for cooperatives and SMEs development resigned from her position shortly after her father was stripped of his traditional title.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Yakubu Kirfi, son and official spokesperson of the former minister, said a suit has been filed to challenge the legality of his father’s removal.
“The issue of removal as Waziri Bauchi and council member on the 3rd of January 2023 orchestrated by the state government via emirate council, has undoubtedly generated controversies in and around the state,” he said.
“Thus, people from all walks of life trooped to the house of Alhaji Muhammad Bello Kirfi on a sympathy and solidarity visit, it’s much appreciated.
“Unambiguously, the matter is currently before the competent court of jurisdiction, which will determine the legality of the purported action by the state government.
“So far, there is no official press statement/release from Alh. Muhammad Bello Kirfi CON.”
Yakubu also dismissed a publication alleging that his father vowed to remove the governor in the 2023 general election because he brought him to office.
“The story is unfounded and not genuine,” he said.
“Religiously, as strong believers in the Islamic article of faith, we believe power belongs to Allah alone, he gives it to whom he wishes, and takes It when he wishes.”
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