Kano Rejects Amnesty International Allegations on Freedom of Expression
From Our Correspondent
The Kano State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International accusing the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and security agencies of suppressing freedom of expression and arbitrarily arresting government critics.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government described the allegations as a one-sided account that misrepresented legal and political issues in the state.
The government affirmed its commitment to freedom of expression, noting that citizens, journalists, civil society organisations and opposition groups have the constitutional right to criticise government policies. However, it stressed that such rights do not provide immunity for actions allegedly contrary to existing laws.
According to the statement, security agencies have the responsibility to investigate allegations of criminal conduct, while courts remain the only institutions empowered to determine guilt or innocence.
The government cautioned against portraying every arrest, investigation or prosecution involving a government critic as politically motivated, stressing that each case should be assessed based on its facts, evidence and judicial decisions.
It urged Amnesty International and other human-rights organisations to maintain neutrality, conduct comprehensive investigations and provide balanced reports that reflect the perspectives of all relevant parties, including government authorities, security agencies and the courts.
The Kano State Government reiterated its commitment to democracy, rule of law, accountability and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, while encouraging responsible exercise of freedom of expression.
Signed:
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya
Hon. Commissioner,
Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Kano State
