Gov. Yusuf Breaks Silence on Alleged ‘Underwear Empowerment’ During Remi Tinubu Visit

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has spoken on the controversy surrounding a display by a group of young women during an event held in honour of First Lady Remi Tinubu, distancing his administration from claims it was part of an empowerment programme.

Videos and photos from the rally circulated widely over the weekend, showing women displaying red underwear, prompting claims on social media that the items were distributed under a government-backed empowerment initiative.

Governor Yusuf rejected the claim, saying the display happened without his knowledge or approval and describing it as inconsistent with the state’s cultural and religious values.

Speaking at a prayer session at the Kano Government House, the governor said he only became aware of the incident after it had happened.

“You have heard what happened. We were minding our business when someone informed me that a group of young women had displayed something. The governor was unaware,” he said.

He condemned the act, saying it ran contrary to local values and Islamic teachings.

“It is against our culture and against the teachings of Islam,” he said, adding that he summoned those involved after learning what happened.

The controversy intensified after footage showed the governor introducing social media personality Teema Cool, linked online to the display, to the First Lady during the visit.

Reports suggest the display was not intended as an empowerment initiative but as a political jab at Rabiu Kwankwaso, the governor’s former political ally. Some participants at the rally were heard chanting “Dankamfen Tsula,” a slogan widely understood as referring to Kwankwaso.

Following public backlash, some of the women involved were later seen at the Government House participating in prayers, reciting verses from the Qur’an and seeking forgiveness.