Kano Govt Rejects Amnesty International Allegations of Free Speech Suppression
The Kano State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International that it is suppressing freedom of expression, describing the claims as false, misleading, and unfounded.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, as guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution.
The response followed a report by Amnesty International titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression”, which claimed that the state government was allegedly involved in the arrest, detention, and harassment of individuals critical of the governor, carried out through security agencies.
Waiya dismissed the allegations, insisting that the government has never directed any security agency to target or intimidate individuals for expressing dissenting views.
“The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is firmly committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression. At no time has the government directed any security agency to harass or intimidate any individual merely for expressing dissenting opinions,” he said.
The commissioner clarified, however, that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not cover acts such as defamation, incitement, hate speech, or deliberately spreading false information that could disturb public peace.
He added that security agencies, including the Department of State Services, act independently within their statutory mandates, and any arrests or invitations are based on petitions, complaints, or credible allegations of offences such as cyberbullying, defamation, or incitement.
Waiya stressed that the Kano State Government does not control the operational decisions of federal security agencies but supports efforts to combat cybercrime and protect individuals’ reputations.
He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote civic engagement and media freedom, such as the Open Government Partnership, which encourages citizen participation in governance.
“Constructive criticism is vital for democratic development, but there is a legal boundary between legitimate criticism and actions that constitute defamation or incitement,” Waiya said.
He called on organisations and commentators to verify facts and engage relevant authorities before making claims that could undermine public institutions or create unnecessary tension.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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