The Kwankwasiyya Movement has accused the Kano State Government of targeting opposition politicians and obstructing development projects facilitated by lawmakers who do not belong to the ruling camp.

The movement, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dr Habib Mai Lemo, alleged that the reported suspension of councillors, attempts to halt or relocate federal constituency projects and threats against political commentators were part of an emerging pattern of political intimidation in the state.

Mai Lemo cited correspondence allegedly 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.

He challenged the state government to explain why projects facilitated by opposition lawmakers appeared to attract what he described as “extraordinary administrative intervention.”

“Residents should not be denied a road, school, healthcare facility or any other public service simply because the elected representative who facilitated it belongs to an opposition party,” he said.

The movement urged the government, if duplication was the reason for seeking the relocation or suspension of the project, to demonstrate that the same standard was being applied to federal constituency projects across the state, irrespective of the political affiliation of their sponsors.

On the reported suspension of councillors, the movement said three councillors in Kano Municipal Local Government Area had been suspended over allegations linked to project implementation, which the affected councillors had disputed.

It also alleged that two councillors in Tarauni Local Government Area were suspended because of their continued association with the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Mai Lemo called for an independent and transparent review of the suspensions, including the allegations against the affected councillors and the evidence relied upon by the authorities.

“We have received serious complaints that these councillors are being targeted because they refused to abandon their political platform and defect to the ruling camp. If established, that would amount to a grave abuse of democratic principles,” he said.

He maintained that political affiliation was not a crime and that elected representatives should not face suspension or administrative persecution for refusing to defect from their political platform.

The movement also criticised statements it 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.

Mai Lemo said threatening citizens over lawful criticism was unacceptable in a democracy, adding that where an offence had been committed, authorities should identify the specific offence and follow due process.

He also alleged that some government officials and political appointees had made insulting, defamatory or unsubstantiated statements against opposition figures and members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

“Our position is straightforward: if abusive political language is unacceptable, it must be unacceptable for everyone,” he said.

“The people of Kano did not elect political leaders merely to fight partisan battles; they expect development, responsible leadership and respect for their constitutional rights,” Mai Lemo said.

The movement said it would remain peaceful and lawful while defending democracy and the interests of its members.

The Kano government is yet to react to the allegations. (Daily Trust)