Rita Odafe
The 2023 presidential hopeful for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accused Lagos of attempting to “colonize” the northern regions of Nigeria.
During a convocation at Skyline University in Kano, Kwankwaso claimed that Lagos was heavily involved in the ongoing power struggles related to traditional emirate leadership in the state.
”It is crucial to observe our circumstances here in Kano and across northern Nigeria,” Kwankwaso remarked.
“Currently, our emir is merely a puppet during these challenging times for the north.”
He stated, “It’s evident that there are efforts from Lagos to dominate this region. Lagos is trying to dictate who becomes our emir, even coming to Kano to impose their choice.”
“Lagos is also working to impose taxes and redirect our tax revenue from Kano to Lagos,” he continued. “Even the taxes from telephone registrations made in Kano are being diverted to Lagos.
He pointed out that local entrepreneurs who set up factories and banks in Kano are often pressured to relocate their headquarters to Lagos, which results in tax benefits being shifted there as well.
Kwankwaso expressed concern regarding the increasing inequality, labeling it a dangerous trend for the nation.
”I urge all members of the National Assembly to remain vigilant and protect the interests of the people in northern Nigeria, especially in Kano,” he urged.
”We have witnessed the consequences of past actions, particularly from 1999 to 2000, when National Assembly members were enticed with bribes, leading to detrimental laws that harmed our economy both in the north and across the country,” Kwankwaso concluded.
