Alleged Opposition Suppression: Kano State government dismisses claims
By Khubayb Adefaka
We state without hesitation that these allegations are false, malicious and politically contrived. They are a desperate attempt to malign the integrity of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and sow discord within Kano State.”
The Kano State Government has rejected allegations by Buba Galadima accusing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano of suppressing opposition voices.
In a statement issued to journalists, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, described the claims as “reckless, malicious and politically contrived,” asserting that they were motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine democratic concerns.
Waiya said the government remains open to constructive criticism and is committed to safeguarding fundamental rights. However, he stressed that freedom of expression does not cover defamation, incitement, or the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of disturbing public peace.
“The Kano State Government has taken note of the recent interview granted by Alhaji Buba Galadima in which he peddled a string of reckless and unfounded allegations against the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Director of the DSS in Kano, falsely claiming suppression of opposition voices,” the statement read.
“We state without hesitation that these allegations are false, malicious and politically contrived. They are a desperate attempt to malign the integrity of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and sow discord within Kano State.”
The commissioner further alleged that similar accusations emerged following the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress. He added that Galadima’s renewed criticism followed his removal as Chairman of the Board of Kano State Polytechnic, which he said was based strictly on administrative considerations.
“It is therefore evident that his current media campaign is driven by bitterness and personal grievance rather than any genuine concern for democracy or civil liberties,” Waiya stated.
The state government denied directing security agencies to harass or intimidate political opponents, describing such claims as misleading. Waiya maintained that security agencies, including the DSS, operate within their constitutional mandates and are not subject to state government control.
“Any suggestion that the Kano State Government controls or manipulates federal security institutions is incorrect,” he said.
The commissioner also expressed concern over what he described as the increasing spread of misinformation on social media by individuals seeking political relevance.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor Yusuf remains committed to inclusivity, accountability, and the rule of law, while pledging continued collaboration with security agencies to maintain peace and protect residents’ rights across Kano State.
