Kano state government has refuted claims by chieftain of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) Alh. Buba Galadima of political intimidation purportedly targeted at opposition in the state.
Galadima, a strong ally of leader of Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso recently at an expanded media briefing accused Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of muffling the voice of opposition.
Galadima, who had since criticized the defection of Governor Yusuf to ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) claim dissenting voices against the APC government would notice longer enjoy unlimited freedom of expression.
In a strong reactions, Kano state government insisted Galadima’s allegations are baseless and unfounded, targeted to malign the integrity of Governor Yusuf.
Commissioner for Information, Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya at a press briefing Friday evening, declared that Governor Yusuf will not be distracted by the barking of a ‘political errant’ seeking relevance.
Waiya maintained that government will not allow misinformation and personal vendettas to distort public perception or undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
According to Waiya, “Kano State Government has taken note of the recent interview granted by Alhaji Buba Galadima where he peddled a string of reckless and unfounded allegations against the Governor Yusuf, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano falsely claiming suppression of opposition voices.
“We state without hesitation or ambiguity that these allegations are outright false, malicious, and politically contrived.
They are nothing more than a desperate attempt to malign the integrity of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and to sow seeds of discord within Kano State”. Commissioner added.
The government believed the Kwankwaso’s political associate had long embarked on harsh criticism against Governor Yusuf since he was sacked as Chairman of Kano Polytechnic Governing board for lack of performance and competent.
Waiya claimed that it is evident that Galadima’s current media campaign is driven by bitterness, personal grievance, and the loss of official privilege rather than any genuine concern for democracy or civil liberty as claimed.
He said Governor Yusuf shall continue to support the security agencies operating in the State in the maintenance of laws and order, and shall not relent in its efforts to protect the rights and dignity of all people residing in Kano State, despite the “continuous barking of errand boys like Galadima, who have lost bearing with the politics at both national and home State, Yobe”.
On alleged use of security to intimidated the opposition, Waiya pointed that the insinuation was simply misleading, positing that a responsible and constituted agency such as Department of State Security Service will always spur to carry out entrusted responsibility in public interest.
Although, the commissioner said at no point did Governor Yusuf instructed the DSS to unlawful carry out his job, he emphatically asserted that government will continue to support security agencies to maintain law and order essentially protecting fundamental rights of individuals in the state.
“The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains firmly committed to the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“However, let it be clearly understood that freedom of expression does not equate to freedom to defame, incite, or spread falsehood. The law does not protect libel, slander, deliberate misinformation, or acts capable of threatening public peace.
“No responsible government will fold its arms while individuals weaponize social media and public platforms to tarnish reputations and incite unnecessary tension.
“Security agencies, including the DSS, operate strictly within the ambit of the law and their constitutional mandates. Where actions are taken, they are based on credible complaints and lawful procedures not political directives”. Waiya asserted.