The Arewa Discussion Group (ADG) has called on Phrank Shuaibu, a media aide associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to publicly respond to allegations of plagiarism attributed to US-based Nigerian scholar, Professor Farooq Kperogi.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Malam Rabiu Maru, the group said the allegations raised questions about Shuaibu’s professional credibility and suitability for a prominent communications role.
The ADG said its position followed what it described as recent criticisms by Kperogi concerning Shuaibu’s alleged use of portions of the scholar’s published works without proper attribution.
According to the group, Shuaibu previously operated a Facebook platform known as “Mind Your Grammar” and participated in English-language programmes on television and radio, activities which, it said, contributed to his public profile as a commentator on the use of English.
The group alleged that Kperogi had accused Shuaibu of reproducing portions of his published works, including passages and articles, without appropriate attribution.
The ADG said the allegations were significant because they involved questions of intellectual property, professional ethics and public credibility.
“Though the Arewa Discussion Group is siding with transparency-minded Nigerians on the need to set the record straight in this specific plagiarism instance, we take cognisance of the serious implications of the exposure,” the statement said.
The group also referenced comments allegedly made by lawyer Abdul Mahmoud, who it said described Shuaibu as a “serial plagiarist” and a “master crook.”
However, the ADG’s statement largely framed the matter around the allegations and criticisms attributed to Kperogi, while calling for accountability and clarification from Shuaibu.
The group said Shuaibu should, if the allegations were substantiated, acknowledge any wrongdoing, apologise to affected individuals and address any claims relating to the unauthorised use of intellectual property.
It also urged him to consider stepping away from public-facing activities for a period, arguing that the controversy could affect his credibility as a communications professional.
The ADG further said it would support any lawful action that concerned individuals might decide to pursue over the alleged infringement of intellectual property rights.
Call for Action by Atiku and ADC
The group also called on Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to review Shuaibu’s continued role as a media aide if the allegations remained unresolved.
According to the ADG, retaining a communications aide facing serious public allegations concerning professional conduct could create reputational challenges for both the politician and the political platform.
The group argued that political organisations should hold their spokespersons and media representatives to high standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
It further urged Shuaibu to respond publicly to the allegations and provide clarification on the issues raised by Kperogi.
The ADG said the controversy should also serve as a broader reminder about the importance of intellectual property rights and ethical standards in Nigeria’s media and political communication space.
The group concluded by posing questions about the standards expected of individuals appointed to positions of public communication and political responsibility.
“What kind of society puts people like Phrank Shuaibu in positions of responsibility?” the statement quoted Kperogi as asking.
The Arewa Discussion Group said it believed that public figures and political organisations should be prepared to answer legitimate questions concerning their professional conduct, particularly as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
The statement was signed by Malam Rabiu Maru, Secretary, Arewa Discussion Group (ADG).This version keeps the substance of the statement while removing highly inflammatory labels and presenting disputed claims as allegations, which is safer for publication and more consistent with professional news-writing and SEO standards.