The Kebbi State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Abdullahi Bodejo, has told a cleric to formally join politics if he intends to criticise the state government’s policies and actions, the commissioner said during an interview on Thursday.

The remarks followed comments by a cleric in Kebbi State who had criticised aspects of the state government’s administration, including public spending and governance priorities.

The interaction highlights ongoing discourse between religious figures and government officials over political issues in the state.

In the interview, Commissioner Bodejo responded to the cleric’s criticisms by suggesting that commenting on government matters is part of political engagement and belongs to those directly involved in politics.

He said that if the cleric was interested in critiquing government decisions, he should first become a politician.

Bodejo emphasised that the state government remains open to constructive feedback through appropriate channels and formal political processes, saying such engagement should come from those who choose active participation in political affairs.

The commissioner also reiterated the government’s ongoing commitments to development projects and public services in Kebbi State, noting that officials are accountable to the electorate and stakeholders in the state’s governance.

Bodejo said, “If you want to criticise government policies, you should join politics. This will give you the platform to do so directly.”

The exchange between the Kebbi State commissioner and the cleric illustrates broader conversations in Nigeria about the roles of religious leaders in public discourse and governance, especially as citizens and civil society engage with political and policy debates ahead of future elections.