Kano Deputy Gov tells U.S. Congress: Exclude Kwankwaso from Religious Freedom Bill

2026-02-12 - 18:59

KANO — The Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has urged the United States Congress to remove former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, describing the claims against the former presidential candidate as unfounded and misleading. The proposed bill, sponsored by U.S. Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, seeks to impose sanctions on Fulani militias and includes Kwankwaso among individuals cited over alleged religious persecution. In a statement released by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Gwarzo said the allegations “are inconsistent with the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and service.” He noted that Kwankwaso has served Nigeria in numerous senior capacities over more than three decades, including as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator, and a recent presidential candidate. “At no time has he been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations,” the statement said, adding that Kwankwaso has consistently opposed violence, extremism, and terrorism. The statement highlighted Kwankwaso’s engagement with Christian leaders and minority communities during his tenure in office and cited his 2023 presidential ticket with Bishop Isaac Idahosa as evidence of his commitment to religious inclusion and national balance. The deputy governor called on U.S. lawmakers to “reject this recommendation outright” and remove Kwankwaso’s name from the bill, warning that the allegations may have been influenced by individuals with political motives or personal grievances. “Senator Kwankwaso remains a nationalist, a democrat, and a statesman whose public service has been anchored on justice, unity, and inclusive governance,” the statement concluded.