By Editor
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has lauded the Amnesty International for its investigation and intervention concerning the disturbing reports of arrests, detention, intimidation and harassment of critics of the Kano State Government.This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson for the movement, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed in Kano.
Mohammed said that this was significant because it had confirmed the fears raised by the movement over time.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement commends Amnesty International for its thorough investigation and courageous intervention concerning the disturbing reports of arrests, detention, intimidation and harassment of critics of the Kano State Government.
“This is significant because it independently confirms what we have consistently raised about the shrinking democratic space in Kano State and what appears to be a sustained effort to intimidate and silence opposition voices, particularly members and supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
‘The report identified several individuals allegedly affected by this pattern, including Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, popularly known as Aiha K Nass; Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau; Fatima Dayyabu; Maryam Usman, popularly known as Golden Queen; Muhammad Ahmad; Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama; Khadija Garba Kadnass; Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala; and Isa Zanna Isa. It also raised concerns over threats and intimidation allegedly directed at Zaidu Magaji.
“If a citizen can be arrested and detained because of his political opinions or because he expresses criticism of those in government, then this is not merely an issue concerning one individual. It becomes an issue concerning every citizen’s constitutional right to freedom of expression,” he said.
Mohammed also lauded Amnesty International’s attention in the case of one Aiha K Nass, whose continued detention since August was deeply troubling.
“We particularly welcome Amnesty International’s attention to the case of Aiha K Nass, whose continued detention since August is deeply troubling.
“Aiha K Nass was arrested and brought before the Shari’a Court. His application for bail was initially refused and was subsequently granted subject to stringent conditions. One of the conditions, as understood by the Movement, requires him to produce two serving Permanent Secretaries, and an employee of the Kano State Government as sureties.
“The practical consequence is that, despite the grant of bail, he remains in detention because he has been unable to satisfy those conditions.
“This development raises serious questions about access to bail and the proportionality of conditions imposed on a citizen who is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“His case is particularly disturbing to us because the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prosecution appear to be closely connected to his outspoken criticism of the government.
“We believe that no citizen should be subjected to unnecessarily burdensome conditions merely because he is critical of those in power,” he said.
Mohammed added:”If there are genuine criminal allegations against any citizen, let such allegations be tested through transparent, impartial and lawful judicial proceedings.
“It is for this reason that the Movement took the responsible step of petitioning the Chief Judge of Kano State and the Kano State Judicial Service Commission concerning the conduct and circumstances surrounding the proceedings before the Shari’a Court, Ungogo Division. Believing that where there are concerns about the conduct of any judicial proceeding, the appropriate response in a democracy is to seek review, accountability and redress through the institutions established by law.
“Our expectation is simple: that the petition will receive fair, impartial and thorough consideration, and that where any wrongdoing, misconduct or procedural violation is established, the appropriate corrective action will be taken.
“The decision to petition the Chief Judge and the Judicial Service Commission should therefore not be interpreted as an isolated action concerning one individual.
“It represents a clear position of the Kwankwasiyya Movement that any attempt to intimidate, harass, silence or unlawfully restrict the rights of our members or other citizens will be challenged through every legitimate legal and institutional avenue available to us.
“We will not respond to intimidation with violence.
“We will not encourage our members to take the law into their own hands.
“Instead, we will continue to use petitions, complaints, legal representation, judicial review, constitutional remedies and every other lawful means available under Nigerian law to defend the rights of our members and citizens.”
“Kwankwasiyya Movement commends our members, particularly those who have had the courage to pursue these matters through lawful channels rather than resorting to confrontation, this demonstrates that political opposition can be firm, courageous and principled while remaining committed to the rule of law.
“We therefore urge all members and supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement to remain steadfast, peaceful and law-abiding in the face of any future attempt to intimidate, harass or silence opposition voices in Kano State.
“Our position is clear: citizens must be allowed to criticize government and public officials within the bounds of the law.
“A governor, minister, president or any other public official cannot be placed beyond scrutiny merely because of the office he or she occupies.
“Similarly, expressing a political opinion on social media should not, by itself, become a justification for arbitrary detention.
“We therefore call on the Kano State Government, security agencies and all relevant institutions to respect the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression and association.
“We further call for an urgent and impartial review of cases involving persons allegedly detained or prosecuted primarily in connection with their political expression, including the case of Aiha K Nass and others identified by Amnesty International.
“We equally call on the judiciary to jealously protect its independence and constitutional responsibilities and to ensure that every citizen who comes before the courts receives fair and impartial treatment in accordance with the law.
“Let nobody provoke us into abandoning the path of law, our response will continue to be constitutional, peaceful and lawful”.
