Connect with us

News

Kano State Government Counters Amnesty International Report on Freedom of Expression

Published

on

 

The Kano State Government has strongly rejected allegations made by Amnesty International in its recent publication titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression.” The report accused security agencies of arresting, detaining, and harassing individuals critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on February 25, 2026, the government described the claims as “misleading, unfounded, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.”

According to Waiya, the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. He stressed that at no time has the government directed security agencies to target or intimidate individuals for expressing dissenting opinions.

The Commissioner noted that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it is not absolute. He explained that the law also safeguards the rights and dignity of others, adding that libel, slander, defamation, hate speech, incitement, and deliberate misinformation fall outside the boundaries of free speech. “No democratic society permits the weaponization of social media to spread malicious falsehoods or content capable of breaching public peace,” Waiya said.

Waiya further emphasized that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), operate strictly within their statutory mandates. He clarified that arrests or invitations are based on petitions or credible allegations of wrongdoing, such as cyberbullying, defamation, or incitement. He insisted that the Kano State Government does not control or micromanage federal security agencies but supports lawful measures to curb cybercrime.

Advert

The statement also lamented the misuse of social media platforms by some individuals under the guise of civic liberty. Waiya argued that such practices encourage misinformation and personal attacks that undermine healthy democratic engagement. He maintained that the government has a responsibility to ensure digital spaces do not become breeding grounds for disorder or reputational damage.

Highlighting the administration’s record, Waiya said Governor Yusuf’s government has been recognized as one of the most media- and civil society–friendly in Nigeria. He pointed to the adoption of the Open Government Partnership initiative, which promotes citizen participation in governance. “This development has significantly recorded the highest civic engagements in the history of Kano,” he stated.

The Commissioner also cited Governor Yusuf’s precedent-setting decision to pay gratuities and entitlements to opposition members, describing it as evidence of tolerance and inclusivity. He reiterated that citizens are free to express opinions without harassment, but cautioned that criticism must not cross into defamation or incitement.

Waiya stressed that the government does not target social media influencers or political opponents. He urged organizations and commentators to verify facts before making sweeping conclusions that could undermine state authority or create unnecessary tension.

He said, the Kano State Government is committed to democratic values, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence. “This administration will continue to uphold justice, fairness, and respect for constitutional rights while ensuring those rights are exercised responsibly,”

 

News

Public Enlightenment Movement Spotlights Northern Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Healthcare Gains Under Tinubu

Published

on

 

The National Coordinator of the Public Enlightenment Movement, Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, has unveiled Phase 7 of the organisation’s project update, highlighting major infrastructure and healthcare achievements recorded across Northern Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Addressing members of the press, Nuhu said the initiative remains committed to providing verified information on government projects and developmental progress across the northern states.

He explained that the Public Enlightenment Movement was established to promote transparency, public awareness and citizen engagement by documenting and disseminating updates on strategic national projects.
According to him, the latest phase focuses on critical infrastructure interventions aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.

Among the projects highlighted is the ongoing reconstruction of the Ajingi–Jahun–Kafin Hausa Road linking parts of Kano State and Jigawa State, which is expected to ease transportation of agricultural produce and improve trade activities across the corridor.

He also noted progress on the dualisation of the Minna–Bida Road in Niger State, describing it as a strategic route expected to reduce travel time and improve road safety for commuters.

Advert

Nuhu Abdullahi further highlighted the accelerated completion of the Kaduna Western Bypass in Kaduna State, noting that the project is designed to improve movement for residents and travellers connecting to the Abuja corridor.

In the same vein, he said the rehabilitation of the previously neglected Shiroro Road in Niger State has significantly shortened travel distances and revitalised economic activities in surrounding communities.

On healthcare, the National Coordinator described the establishment of a world-class cancer centre at Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina as a landmark achievement in the health sector.

According to him, the facility is among the country’s top oncology centres, equipped with modern medical infrastructure aimed at making quality cancer treatment accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

He also cited progress on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, noting that the highway project is advancing steadily across six states with the integration of smart infrastructure such as streetlights and CCTV surveillance to enhance security and traffic management.

Nuhu stated that the projects outlined in the Phase 7 briefing reflect broader national efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery and economic resilience.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustaining public awareness on government interventions and national development initiatives.

“The projects detailed in this briefing are a testament to the wider national transformation currently underway.

While this phase focuses on northern Nigeria, it reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient, interconnected and healthier nation,” he said.

He thanked members of the media and citizens for their continued support of the Public Enlightenment Movement and called for sustained public engagement in national development.

Continue Reading

News

BREAKING: INEC Restores Mark-led ADC Leadership on Website After S’Court Ruling

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its website, listing David Mark as the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary following the judgement of the supreme court.

The development, spotted on Thursday evening, reverses INEC’s earlier decision in early April to remove the Mark-led executive from its portal, citing the ruling of an appeal court on the leadership crisis in the ADC.

Advert

The Mark-led faction of the ADC and Nafiu Bala, a former national vice-chairman of the party, have been laying claim to its leadership.

However, earlier today, the supreme court directed Mark to return to the federal high court for the hearing and determination of issues arising from the leadership dispute within the ADC.

Delivering a unanimous judgement, a five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Mohammed Garba, faulted the order of the court of appeal which asked parties in the suit to maintain status quo ante bellum.

Following the ruling, the ADC page on the INEC website, which was taken down initially, now shows the full list of the party’s leadership led by Mark.

Continue Reading

News

BREAKING: Supreme Court Nullifies Status Quo Ante Bellum Order, Restores David Mark-Led ADC Executive

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Supreme Court has set aside the status quo ante bellum order previously granted by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The ruling effectively restores the executive committee led by Senator David Mark, reversing its delisting by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Advert

Delivering a unanimous judgment on Thursday, a five-member panel chaired by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba held that the Court of Appeal’s order was unwarranted. The apex court also found that the appeal challenging jurisdiction had been improperly filed—it was based on an ex parte order inviting parties to show cause, without first obtaining the requisite leave of the appellate court.

Continue Reading

Trending