Kano Government Defends Arrests of Critics, Claims Freedom of Expression Has Limits

The Kano State Government has refuted claims made by Amnesty International, which alleges that it is responsible for systematically arresting, detaining, and harassing critics of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

On Wednesday, the international human rights organization accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of leading efforts to suppress dissent, stating that individuals are often 'invited' or detained solely for expressing opposing views about the governor.

Amnesty International highlighted that this trend fosters a climate of fear and constricts civic freedoms within the state.

In response, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs of Kano, described the report titled 'Kano: Escalating Repression Endangers Freedom of Expression' as misleading, unfounded, and a significant misrepresentation of the truth.

The statement emphasized that Governor Yusuf’s administration is dedicated to protecting essential human rights, including the right to free speech, yet noted that such rights are not unconditional.

The administration pointed out that acts like libel, slander, defamation, hate speech, incitement, and disseminating false information do not fall under the protective umbrella of free expression.

"In a democratic society, the misuse of social media to propagate harmful falsehoods or to disrupt public order under the pretense of exercising the right to free speech is unacceptable," the statement asserted.

The Commissioner elaborated that security agencies operate strictly within their legal frameworks. Arrests or summons are initiated based on credible complaints or allegations regarding cyberbullying, defamation, or incitement.

It was clarified that the Kano State Government neither governs nor micromanages federal security agencies and actively supports their efforts in combating cybercrime and safeguarding citizens' dignity.

Highlighting its achievements, the government claimed that under Governor Yusuf, Kano is recognized as one of Nigeria's most supportive administrations for media and civil society.

They pointed to the implementation of the Open Government Partnership initiative, which has promoted citizen engagement in governance.

The statement further mentioned that the Yusuf administration has offered benefits to members of the opposition, including the payment of gratuities and entitlements, marking a significant milestone in the state's political landscape.

It reiterated that citizens are free to express their views on governance without intimidation, while cautioning that a clear distinction exists between criticism and defamation, as well as legitimate dissent and incitement.

"The Kano State Government does not specifically target social media practitioners or political adversaries," the statement concluded. "Any actions by law enforcement should be interpreted based on the already established laws that regulate cybercrime, public peace, and the safeguarding of individual rights and dignity."

The government encouraged organizations and commentators to validate their facts before drawing hasty conclusions that might undermine public institutions or escalate tensions unnecessarily.

Finally, it reaffirmed its dedication to democratic principles, the rule of law, and harmonious living, while vowing to maintain justice and fairness and ensure that rights are exercised responsibly.