Dr. Reuben Abati, a former presidential aide and prominent journalist, is facing significant backlash following remarks concerning university admissions that have incensed indigenes of Kebbi State.
During a recent broadcast, Abati alleged, “A boy from Anambra will score over 300 in JAMB and be denied admission, while someone scoring 100 from Kebbi will sail into university and rise to permanent secretary or Supreme Court judge.”
This statement has drawn widespread condemnation for its perceived generalization, with critics arguing it undermines the accomplishments and credibility of Kebbi indigenes across various sectors, including education, public service, and the judiciary.
Among the strongest condemnations came from Shamsu Aliero, a public affairs commentator and native of Kebbi State. Aliero characterized Abati’s comment as “not just a gross misunderstanding, but defamation, tribal bias, and a catastrophic disservice to the truth and Kebbi State’s legacy.”
Aliero asserted that Kebbi State has produced numerous “intellectuals, seasoned professionals, senior advocates, and high-ranking civil servants” who achieved their positions through merit, not preferential treatment. He further stated, “Your statement is not only factually bankrupt, it’s a disgrace to responsible journalism. It reinforces ethnic tension and fans the flames of division.”
Aliero has called upon Abati to retract the statement and issue a public apology to the people of Kebbi and Northern Nigeria. He warned that failure to comply could result in legal or social repercussions, concluding, “The people of Kebbi will not allow their integrity and contributions to national development to be undermined by uninformed commentary.”
