The Kwankwasiyya Movement has accused the Kano State Government of escalating its crackdown on opposition voices, alleging that councillors, political critics and development projects linked to opposition lawmakers are being targeted.
The movement made the allegation in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Habib Mai Lemo.
It accused the government of suspending councillors, attempting to stop or relocate federal constituency projects and threatening political commentators.
Mai Lemo cited a letter allegedly issued by the Kano State Ministry of Works seeking the suspension or relocation of a federal constituency road project in the Ungogo/Minjibir Federal Constituency.
He asked the government to explain why projects linked to opposition lawmakers were allegedly facing unusual 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 said that if duplication was the reason for relocating or stopping the project, the government should show that the same rule was being applied to projects across the state.
It also raised concerns over the reported suspension of councillors.
According to the movement, three councillors in Kano Municipal were suspended over allegations linked to project implementation.
The affected councillors, it said, had disputed the allegations.
The movement also alleged that two councillors in Tarauni were suspended because of their continued association with Kwankwasiyya.
Mai Lemo called for an independent review of the suspensions and the allegations against the affected councillors.
“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,” he said.
The movement also criticised statements it attributed to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice concerning political commentators and opposition supporters.
Mai Lemo alleged that threats of arrest had been made against people who criticise the government on radio and social media.
He said citizens should not be arrested simply for lawful criticism.
According to him, where an offence has been committed, the authorities should identify it and follow due process.
The movement also accused some government officials and political appointees of making insulting and unsubstantiated comments about opposition figures.
“Our position is straightforward: if abusive political language is unacceptable, it must be unacceptable for everyone,” Mai Lemo said.
He urged the government to focus on development rather than partisan battles.
“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,” he said.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement said it would remain peaceful and lawful while defending the interests of its members.
The Kano State Government had yet to respond to the allegations as of press time.