Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has accused Lagos of attempting to dominate the northern region.
Speaking at the convocation of Skyline University in Kano, Kwankwaso claimed that Lagos has interfered in the emirate dispute in Kano State and is pushing a broader agenda to control the North.
The former governor of Kano also highlighted the myriad challenges facing the region, including economic struggles, insecurity, poverty, hunger, and disease, stressing that the situation is dire for the nation.
Kwankwaso stated, “In Kano and northern Nigeria, the emir has become a puppet at a critical time, especially in our region. Today, we can clearly see that there are concerted efforts from Lagos to take over this part of the country. Lagos is now dictating who should be our emir.”
He also raised concerns about tax collection, noting that, “Lagos is trying to redirect taxes meant for Kano to their own coffers. For example, even the telephones we register in Kano are now subject to taxes going to Lagos.”
He further explained that businesses and banks set up in Kano and northern Nigeria are being pressured to relocate their headquarters to Lagos, with the promise of tax advantages.
Kwankwaso also pointed out the growing wealth gap, saying, “There are efforts to make the poor poorer and the rich richer, and this poses a serious danger.”
He urged lawmakers from the North to remain vigilant and ensure that the region is not disadvantaged. “I call on our National Assembly members to stay alert and protect the interests of northern Nigeria. We saw what happened between 1999 and 2000 when our lawmakers were bribed to pass laws that severely hurt our economy and the entire country,” Kwankwaso said.
