Kano Counters Amnesty Report, Says Rights of Citizens Protected
Kano State Government has rejected allegations by Amnesty International accusing it of repressing freedom of expression, describing the claims as false, misleading, and unfounded. The government was responding to a publication by the organization titled “Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression,” which alleged a pattern of arrests, detention, and harassment of individuals critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government said the report amounted to a gross misrepresentation of facts and failed to reflect the realities on ground. The statement maintained that the administration of Governor Yusuf remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Read Also: Kano: Why Journalists Still Face Harassment Despite Press Freedom Guarantees Pantami Urges Northern Muslims to Invest in Media, Warns of Communication Deficit Kano Announces Eid Break, Releases School Resumption Plan “The government has at no time directed any security agency to harass or intimidate individuals for expressing dissenting opinions,” the statement said. It, however, emphasized that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it is not absolute, noting that issues such as defamation, incitement, hate speech, and deliberate misinformation fall outside the boundaries of lawful expression. According to the government, security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), operate within their legal mandates, and any arrests or invitations are based on petitions and credible allegations such as cyberbullying, defamation, and incitement. The statement further clarified that the Kano State Government does not control the operational decisions of federal security agencies, but supports lawful measures aimed at addressing cybercrime and protecting the dignity of individuals. The government expressed concern over what it described as the misuse of social media platforms to spread falsehoods and engage in character assassination under the guise of civic engagement. It added that the administration has continued to promote open governance and civic participation, noting that Kano remains one of the states fostering strong engagement between government, media, and civil society organizations. The statement also highlighted that citizens are free to express their views on governance without harassment, stressing that constructive criticism remains essential for democratic growth. It, however, drew a distinction between legitimate criticism and actions that violate the law, insisting that democratic freedoms must be exercised responsibly. The government urged organizations and commentators to verify facts and engage relevant authorities before making public claims capable of creating tension or undermining public institutions. Reaffirming its stance, the Kano State Government reiterated its commitment to democratic values, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence, while pledging to continue safeguarding constitutional rights within the framework of the law.



















