Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has raised serious allegations regarding intentions from Lagos to dominate the northern region of Nigeria. During a speech at the convocation ceremony of Skyline University in Kano, he expressed concerns about the influence of Lagos in local affairs, particularly regarding the emirate disputes in Kano State.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, highlighted the myriad challenges facing the North, including economic difficulties, rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and various health issues. He emphasized that these problems are detrimental to the overall well-being of the nation, urging attention to the plight of the northern region.
In his remarks, Kwankwaso stated, “Our situation here in Kano and indeed northern Nigeria is dire. The emir is merely a figurehead during these challenging times.” He criticized the current state of leadership in the region, suggesting that local leaders are not effectively addressing the pressing issues at hand.
He further asserted that there is a concerted effort from the Lagos axis to exert control over northern Nigeria. “Lagos is trying to dictate who we can choose as our emir,” he claimed, indicating that external influence is undermining local governance and traditions in Kano.
Kwankwaso also addressed the issue of tax collection, revealing that young people from Lagos are allegedly working hard to siphon taxes away from Kano. He expressed concern that these actions are detrimental to the economic stability of the northern region.
“Even the telecommunication services we register in Kano are not immune to this trend,” he pointed out, stressing that efforts are being made to redirect tax revenues to Lagos instead of supporting local development. This, he argued, exacerbates the economic challenges faced by the North.
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He lamented that many local entrepreneurs, who have established factories and businesses in Kano, are being pressured to relocate their headquarters to Lagos. This trend, according to Kwankwaso, leads to a significant loss of revenue and resources that could otherwise benefit the northern region.
Furthermore, he highlighted the growing disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished in Nigeria. Kwankwaso emphasized that the current economic policies and practices are widening this gap, making it increasingly difficult for the less fortunate to improve their circumstances.
In conclusion, Kwankwaso’s speech serves as a call to action for northern leaders and citizens to unite against external influences that threaten their autonomy. He urged for a concerted effort to address the pressing issues facing the region, advocating for local empowerment and economic resilience.
