By: Suleiman Abdullahi Dawakin Kudu
“Kebbi State has become a fresh example of how whistleblowing, backed by political will, can drive reform and accountability in Nigeria’s governance system.
“The turning point came when citizen whistleblower Dan Bello exposed the poor state of health facilities in the state, pointing to broken equipment, empty pharmacies, and absentee staff. His revelations drew wide attention and immediate government response.
Reporting on the development, Suleiman Abdullahi Dawakin Kudu noted that Governor Nasir Idris swiftly suspended the Health Commissioner, Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Ismail, pending investigation. Unlike the usual “damage control” approach, he wrote, Idris embraced accountability even at the cost of political backlash.
Sulaiman Dawakin Kudu further observed that Governor Idris has introduced several people-focused initiatives this year, including the creation of the Kebbi State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the distribution of solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers. These moves, he argued, reflect an effort to address grassroots concerns.
“However, criticism persists. The arrest of blogger Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa, after reporting on poor conditions at Kangiwa General Hospital, raised alarm over press freedom and whistleblower protection. Media Rights Agenda (MRA) condemned the act, accusing the administration of undermining transparency.
Following public pressure, Kangiwa was released four days later, with investigations revealing that the arrest was ordered by an overzealous officer without the governor’s knowledge. Sulaiman Dawakin Kudu reported that disciplinary action followed, including the suspension of a commissioner linked to the case.
He emphasized that Kebbi’s response shows the importance of institutional accountability, not just legislation, in protecting whistleblowers. Governor Idris has since launched an audit of medical supply chains and begun renovating five primary health centers.
If sustained, Sulaiman Dawakin Kudu concluded, these steps could position Kebbi as a model for whistleblower protection and good governance. The case underscores that whistleblowing is not treachery but a civic duty and when leaders respond constructively, it can rebuild public trust and inspire broader citizen participation in democracy.