The Kano State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International which claims a pattern of arrests, detention, and harassment of individuals criticising Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by security agencies on the governor’s orders.
A statement signed on Thursday morning by the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Abdullahi Waiya, described these allegations as misleading, unfounded and a gross misrepresentation of facts.
The statement insisted that the administration was firmly committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“At no time has the government directed any security agency to target, harass, or intimidate any individual merely for expressing dissenting opinions,” the statement held.
The government maintained that while freedom of expression is a constitutionally guaranteed right, it is not absolute.
“While freedom of expression is a constitutionally guaranteed right, it is, however, not absolute and is as well not infinite. The law equally recognises the rights and dignity of others.
“Issues of libel, slander, defamation, mischief, hate speech, incitement, false accusations, and deliberate misinformation fall outside the protective boundaries of free speech,” said the statement.
The government further stated that spreading malicious falsehoods under the guise of free expression is not permitted.
“No democratic society permits the weaponisation of social media to spread malicious falsehoods, character assassination, or content capable of breaching public peace under the guise of exercising the right of expression,” the statement read.
The statement emphasised that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), operate within their statutory mandates.
“Invitations or arrests, where they occur, are based on petitions, complaints, or credible allegations of wrongdoing, including offences such as cyberbullying, defamation, incitement or character assassination.
“The Kano State Government does not control or micromanage the administrative or operational decisions of federal security agencies,” said the statement.
Commissioner Waiya stated that the government believes constructive criticism is vital, but distinguishes between criticism and defamation, satire and falsehood, dissent and incitement.
“Gov. Yusuf’s administration prioritises the values of a civilised society. The Kano State Government reiterates that it does not target social media influencers or opponents.
“Law enforcement actions are based on existing laws on cybercrime, public order and individual rights,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that Governor Yusuf’s administration has allowed opposition members to benefit from government payments, including gratuities, describing it as a first in the state’s history.
The government urged organisations to verify facts before commenting, to avoid undermining authorities and creating tension.
“It remains committed to democratic values, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence, upholding justice, fairness and constitutional rights,” the statement concluded.
On Tuesday morning, Amnesty International raised the alarm on the repression of critical opinion in Kano State, accusing the government of instigating the arrest of individuals for criticising the governor.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the human rights organisation had alleged a “disturbing pattern of arrest, detention and harassment of persons simply for criticising or making dissenting commentary about the governor.”
