Kebbi Governor Appoints Wife To Task Force Board

Bare 24 hours after he approved the establishment of a Taskforce on Drug Control, emerging reports have suggested that Kebbi Governor, Atiku Bagudu, has made his wife, Zainab, its patron.

Bagudu’s directive was contained in a circular issued by Secretary to the State Government, Babale Umar-Yauri.

Reports by Daily Post claim the governor gave his spouse a role in the body tasked with reviewing and proposing policies and programmes on drug and substance abuse.

The circular stated that retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Umar Ambursa would be the Chairman of the Taskforce on Drug Control while the First Lady will serve as the Patron.

Also on the team are representatives of the Police and other paramilitary groups.

Bagudu joins a host of Nigerian governors to reward family members with political positions.

While the act is not a direct breach of the letters of the constitution, it is however frowned by lawyers and political commentators, who consider it an abuse of public office.

The Nigerian constitution prevents the trial or prosecution of sitting governors and the president under the immunity clause.