The Kwankwasiyya Movement has condemned what it described as the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate opposition voices, pressure elected representatives and obstruct development projects across Kano State.
The Movement, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed (Mai Lemo), expressed concern over recent developments, including reported attempts to suspend or relocate federal constituency projects, the suspension of councillors and alleged threats against political commentators and opposition supporters.
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It particularly cited correspondence reportedly issued by the Kano State Ministry of Works seeking the suspension and relocation of a federal constituency road project intended for communities in the Ungogo/Minjibir Federal Constituency.
Dr Mai Lemo called on the state government to provide a clear explanation for what he described as extraordinary administrative intervention in projects facilitated by opposition lawmakers.
He argued that residents should not be denied public infrastructure because the elected representative who facilitated a project belongs to an opposition party.
The Movement also raised concerns over the reported suspension of three councillors in Kano Municipal Local Government Area following allegations related to project implementation, which the affected councillors have disputed.
It further alleged that two councillors in Tarauni Local Government Area were suspended because of their continued association with the Kwankwasiyya Movement, while claiming that similar actions could occur in Nasarawa and Kumbotso local government areas.
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Dr Mai Lemo called for an independent and transparent review of the suspensions, including the allegations against each councillor and the evidence relied upon.
He also criticised statements attributed to the Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during a political programme, alleging that threats of arrest were directed at political commentators, opposition members and Kwankwasiyya supporters who criticise the government on radio and social media.
The spokesperson said lawful criticism of government policies should not attract threats, adding that where an offence has been committed, the specific offence should be identified and due process followed.
The Movement also accused the state government of applying a double standard to political communication, alleging that some government officials and political appointees had made insulting, defamatory or unsubstantiated statements against opposition figures and Kwankwasiyya members.
It therefore called for equal standards in political discourse, regardless of political affiliation.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement demanded an end to what it described as selective obstruction of federal constituency projects, equal treatment of projects regardless of party affiliation and a transparent review of the councillors’ suspensions.
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It also called for protection of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly and political participation, as well as measures to ensure that state institutions operate without partisan interference.
Dr Mai Lemo said the Movement would remain peaceful and lawful while advocating for democracy, protection of its members and equitable development across Kano State.