Why Kwankwaso Accuses Lagos of Plot to Dominate the North and Undermine Local Autonomy
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, has accused the Lagos state government of plotting to dominate northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Skyline University in Kano, Kwankwaso, who also leads the Kwankwasiyya Movement, claimed that Lagos has been exerting influence over the northern region, particularly in the ongoing disputes surrounding the selection of emirs in Kano.
He expressed deep concern over the socio-economic challenges facing the North, including widespread poverty, insecurity, economic difficulties, and health crises, suggesting that these issues are undermining the nation’s overall well-being.
“In Kano and across northern Nigeria, the situation is dire,” Kwankwaso remarked. “At a time when the region is struggling, some forces are pushing their agenda to take control. For example, Lagos is now trying to influence who becomes emir in Kano, overriding our local processes.”
Kwankwaso also criticized the tax policies he believes are disproportionately benefiting Lagos. “We see efforts to redirect taxes from Kano to Lagos,” he stated, mentioning that even businesses and telecommunication companies in the North are increasingly being pressured to relocate or channel their revenue to Lagos.
The former Kano governor also raised concerns about the widening wealth gap in the country, warning that policies are exacerbating the divide between the rich and the poor.
He urged lawmakers from the northern region to stay vigilant and protect the interests of their constituents. “I call on our National Assembly members to be alert and prevent any actions that could harm the people of northern Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said, referencing the controversial events of the 1999-2000 period when northern lawmakers were allegedly bribed to support policies detrimental to the region’s economy.
In conclusion, Kwankwaso reiterated the need for northern lawmakers to be united in safeguarding the region’s interests.
