Remove Kwankwaso’s name from proposed bill – Kwankwasiyya tells US congress

2026-02-12 - 06:39

By Bashir Bello The Kwankwassiya movement has called on the United States Congress to outrightly reject the proposed bill, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457), and remove the name of its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from the proposed bill. The movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, in a statement made available to newsmen, alleged the inclusion of Kwankwaso’s name was influenced by certain individuals who are on a mission to settle personal scores with him or by political rivals, or both, and the Congress should not allow its respected chamber to be used for these. Mohammed said referencing the name of its leader and principal, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in connection with claims of “severe religious freedom violations” are unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent as he has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations throughout the over 30 years he served in various capacities across the country. In a statement titled, “Selective targeting or misinformation? Kwankwasiyya movement demands fairness,” the spokesperson said, “The Kwankwasiyya Movement has received with grave concern reports that a proposed Bill before the United States Congress, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457), allegedly references the name of our leader and principal, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in connection with claims of “severe religious freedom violations”. “We state unequivocally that these allegations are unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso’s life and service. “For over thirty years, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has served Nigeria at the highest levels as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator of the Federal Republic, and Presidential Candidate. Throughout this period, he has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations. “The constitutional development of Sharia-based legal systems in certain northern Nigerian states was neither unique to Kano State nor the initiative of one individual. Multiple states adopted similar legal frameworks within the ambit of Nigeria’s federal constitution, legislative processes, and judicial safeguards. These systems remain subject to constitutional oversight and appellate review. “To single out Senator Kwankwaso while similar constitutional arrangements exist across several states raises serious questions about the basis, consistency, and evidentiary standard behind such a recommendation. “International relations are traditionally guided by contextual understanding and respect for constitutional sovereignty. “The United States maintains diplomatic and strategic relationships with several sovereign nations whose legal systems incorporate Islamic jurisprudence. It would therefore be inconsistent to treat Nigeria’s constitutionally grounded legal pluralism differently without clear and individualized evidence of wrongdoing. “Senator Kwankwaso’s records stand firmly against violence, extremism, and terrorism. During his tenure as Governor of Kano State, decisive measures were taken to curtail extremist threats and protect lives and property across religious divides. He maintained constructive engagement with Christian leaders and minority communities and consistently promoted peaceful coexistence. His 2023 presidential ticket, which paired him with Bishop Isaac Idahosa, reflected his enduring belief in religious inclusion and national balance. “It is, therefore, deeply concerning that an opposition political leader with. Vanguard News