Kwankwasiyya Accuses Kano of Blocking Federal Projects, Political Intimidation

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has accused the Kano State Government of employing state institutions to silence opposition and hinder development initiatives throughout the region. Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement's spokesperson, expressed alarm over recent government actions in a press release, stating that they set a troubling precedent for democracy in Kano.

The group raised concerns about a letter purportedly issued by the State Ministry of Works, which requested the suspension and relocation of a federal road project intended for communities in Ungogo/Minjibir Federal Constituency.

Mohammed questioned why projects backed by opposition lawmakers seem to encounter bureaucratic obstacles while government-friendly endeavors proceed smoothly, warning that residents shouldn't be denied essential services simply because their representative is part of the opposition. Moreover, the movement condemned the suspension of three councillors from Kano Municipal Local Government and two others from Tarauni Local Government, alleging that the action was taken against those who refused to abandon the Kwankwasiyya Movement for the ruling party.

The spokesperson questioned the fairness of disciplinary measures, emphasizing that "political loyalty is not a crime and that defection is a personal choice; no elected official should be persecuted for refusing to abandon his party."

The Kwankwasiyya Movement criticized remarks allegedly made by the Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who reportedly threatened legal action against political commentators and opposition supporters who voiced dissent on radio or social media platforms. The spokesperson deemed it unacceptable to threaten citizens for lawful criticism in a democratic society, asserting that the Attorney-General's role is to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens' rights, not to act as a partisan entity.

The group also accused the government of double standards, noting that while opposition members face threats, some government officials—including special advisers, the Commissioner for Information, and the Governor's spokesperson—have made defamatory statements against opposition figures without facing repercussions.

The movement demanded an immediate halt to the selective obstruction of constituency projects, a transparent review of the councillors' suspensions, an end to threats against critics, and the protection of citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.