By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano The Kwankwasiyya Movement has raised alarm over what it described as growing political intimidation and...
By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has raised alarm over what it described as growing political intimidation and the deliberate obstruction of development projects across Kano State.
In a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed (Mai Lemo), the Movement condemned the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate opposition voices, pressure elected representatives, and frustrate federal constituency projects meant for Kano communities.
Dr. Mai Lemo said the Movement is particularly worried about a letter reportedly issued by the Kano State Ministry of Works seeking the suspension and relocation of a federal constituency road project facilitated for communities in Ungogo/Minjibir Federal Constituency.
"The Kano State Government owes the public a clear and convincing explanation of why projects facilitated by opposition lawmakers attract extraordinary administrative intervention," he said.
"Residents should not be denied a road, school, or healthcare facility simply because the elected representative who facilitated it belongs to an opposition party," he added. He challenged the government to prove that the same standard of scrutiny is being applied to all federal constituency projects in the state, regardless of party affiliation.
The Movement also condemned the reported suspension of three councillors in Kano Municipal Local Government and two others in Tarauni Local Government Area, alleging that the actions were politically motivated.
According to the statement, the affected councillors have disputed the allegations against them and complained that they were being targeted for refusing to abandon the Kwankwasiyya Movement and defect to the ruling party. The Movement further alleged that similar suspensions are being planned in Nasarawa and Kumbotso Local Government Areas.
"We have received serious complaints that these councillors are being targeted because they refused to defect. If established, that would amount to a grave abuse of democratic principles. Political loyalty is not a crime," Dr. Mai Lemo stated.
He called for an independent, transparent, and credible review of all the suspensions.
Furthermore, the Kwankwasiyya Movement criticized statements credited to the Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during a political program, where he allegedly threatened to arrest political commentators and opposition supporters who criticize the government on radio and social media.
"Threatening citizens merely for expressing lawful criticism is unacceptable in a democracy. The office of the Attorney-General carries a constitutional responsibility to defend the rule of law and protect citizens' rights," the spokesperson said.
The Movement also accused the government of double standards in political communication, alleging that while opposition figures are threatened for criticism, some government appointees including special advisers, the Commissioner for Information, and the Governor's spokesperson, have made insulting and defamatory statements against opposition figures.
"Our position is straightforward: If abusive political language is unacceptable, it must be unacceptable for everyone. Public office cannot become a licence to insult citizens while those same citizens are threatened for criticising the government," he declared.
The Movement demanded an immediate end to the obstruction of federal constituency projects, equal treatment of all projects, a transparent review of the councillors' suspensions, an end to threats against citizens exercising lawful criticism, and the insulation of state institutions from partisan manipulation.
"The people of Kano did not elect leaders merely to fight partisan battles; they expect development, responsible leadership and respect for their constitutional rights. The Kwankwasiyya Movement will remain vigilant, peaceful, lawful and resolute in defending democracy," the statement concluded.
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