Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has alleged that Lagos is attempting to “colonize” northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Skyline University in Kano, Kwankwaso claimed that Lagos is interfering in Kano’s emirate affairs and exerting undue economic influence over the region.
Kwankwaso accused Lagos of playing a pivotal role in the ongoing tussle over the Kano emirate. “Today, Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir. Lagos has to come to the center of Kano to impose their own emir,” he said, describing the emir as a “stooge” at a time when the northern region faces critical challenges.
He also raised concerns about economic centralization, accusing Lagos of siphoning resources from Kano and other northern states. “Young men from Lagos are working hard to impose taxes and divert revenues from Kano to Lagos,” Kwankwaso alleged.
He pointed out that even factories and banks established in Kano are being pressured to relocate their headquarters to Lagos for tax purposes.
Kwankwaso further decried the growing economic disparity between the rich and poor, calling it a dangerous trend. He urged northern lawmakers to remain vigilant against policies that could disadvantage the region.
Reflecting on past legislative actions, he accused lawmakers of being bribed to pass laws that harmed the northern economy, particularly during Nigeria’s early democratic years.
The NNPP leader’s remarks come as the party faces internal struggles, with factions battling for control amid dwindling political influence.
