….says government’s silence raises suspicion

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – A group called Kwankwaso National Network, KNN, Friday, dismissed allegations leveled against former Kano State Governor and Minister of Defence, Rabiu Kwankwaso on his blacklisting by the United States Congress.

The National, KNN, Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, in a statement said the name of Kwankwaso was allegedly submitted by some individuals whom Shittu described as detractors, saying their move is “absurd, shameful and a joke taken too far.”

According to him, moves to destroy the reputation of Kwankwaso with these allegations as a violent extremist are basically driven by political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also alleged that certain government agents and lobbyists were brain behind Kwankwaso’s labelling as sponsor of terrorism and a proponent of Sharia law.

He further said the allegations and claims that Kwankwaso has been a sponsor and supporter of terrorism through the introduction of Sharia while as Governor of Kano State, was baseless, malicious and unfounded, rather the allegations were cheap blackmail and politically motivated.

According to KNN’s Coordinator, during his (Kwankwaso) administration Kano State had peace, unity and coexistence among religious groups.

He added also Sharia law implementation began in 1999 by the Zamfara State Government by the then Governor of Zamfara State, Sani Ahmed Yerima, and not in Kano.

He (Shittu) urged the US Congress to review what he described as misleading information instead of believing lies against Kwankwaso.

Meanwhile, the group noted that with the level of allegations leveled against a former Kano State Governor of Minister of Defence, President Bola Tinubu is yet to issue an official statement.

The group also expressed concern over government’s silence, which raises suspicion. The group called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to officially state Nigeria’s position on the matter.