“I’m Ready to Serve as Gov. Yusuf’s Gateman” – Ex-Information Commissioner Waiya
Former Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has declared his unwavering loyalty to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, saying he would gladly accept any responsibility assigned to him by the governor, even if it means serving as his gateman.
Waiya made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters and youth groups who accompanied him to his new office at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development following his recent redeployment from the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
Earlier in the morning, a massive crowd of supporters had gathered at the Ministry of Information, awaiting Waiya’s arrival to accompany him to his new ministry.
The procession, which attracted youth groups from across Kano State, was described as a demonstration of their loyalty to the former commissioner, as well as their continued support for Governor Yusuf’s administration and his anticipated 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking shortly after assuming duty at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Waiya described his redeployment as another call to service, assuring the governor and the people of Kano State of his commitment to delivering results in his new assignment.
He said he had no reservations about the governor’s decision, dismissing speculations that his redeployment was an indication of a strained relationship between him and the governor.
“Last week, when the news about my redeployment broke, my detractors started speculating that I had been dropped from Governor Yusuf’s cabinet.
“However, when it became clear that I was only redeployed from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, I never felt bad about it because the governor has the best interest of Kano State and its people at heart.
“The governor is a very close ally of mine, and nobody can separate us because our bond is very strong. As I have always maintained, nobody can separate me from the governor,” he said.
Waiya further emphasised that his primary motivation for joining the government was to serve the people rather than pursue personal financial gains.
“All those speculating that the governor intends to drop me for one reason or another should stop. We have a very close relationship, and I have no reservations whatsoever with the governor. I also believe he harbours no hard feelings against me.
“If the governor decides today that I should be redeployed from the ministry to his residence or office to serve as a gateman, I will gladly accept the offer,” he declared.
He added that public office should be regarded as an opportunity to serve humanity, not an avenue for personal enrichment.
“We came to serve the people and not to loot their money. We may not be rich in terms of money, but we have the people behind us. This is a call to duty, and we must immediately get down to work to provide the needed services to the people,” he stated.
The former commissioner also pledged to mobilise massive electoral support for Governor Yusuf ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence in the governor’s chances of securing re-election.
“I want to assure the governor that his decision to redeploy me to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development was not a mistake. I will continue to serve with commitment and dedication.
“I want to assure the governor of my commitment to mobilising between one million and three million votes for him in the 2027 governorship election. I assure you that your re-election bid will be easy in the forthcoming poll,” Waiya said.
The massive turnout of youth groups and supporters from different parts of Kano State underscored the political significance of Waiya’s redeployment, with the groups reaffirming their allegiance to him and expressing support for Governor Yusuf’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Waiya’s new assignment at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is expected to provide him with another opportunity to contribute to the state’s development, particularly in youth empowerment, sports administration and the creation of opportunities for young people.