‘Don’t disrespect Kwankwaso’ —Gov Yusuf warns social media influencers

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state, has warned social media influencers and political commentators against making disrespectful or inflammatory remarks about Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

The admonition comes on the heels of the Kano governor’s resignation from the NNPP alongside 21 members of the Kano state house of assembly, eight members of the house of representatives, and all 44 LGA chairpersons in the state.

In a statement, Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson for the Kano governor, said the warning was issued during the distribution of 600 motorcycles to social media influencers in Kano.

Yusuf cautioned that the misuse of social media to spread insults, misinformation and hate speech could threaten peace and unity in the state.

The spokesperson quoted the governor as describing Kwankwaso as a leader whose contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Kano state remain outstanding and deserving of respect.

He said freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly, adding that political discourse should centre on issues and constructive engagement rather than personal attacks.

Yusuf urged beneficiaries of the motorcycles to treat the support as a responsibility to promote truth, peace and positive information about government activities.

He said the initiative was designed to empower social media practitioners to strengthen public awareness and improve communication between the government and residents.

.Gov Yusuf strengthens grip on assembly
At least 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly have formally defected from the NNPP to the APC in solidarity with Governor Yusuf.

Those who resigned include the Speaker, Rt Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore (Rogo); Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu Butu (Tofa/Rimin Gado); Majority Leader, Lawan Hussain (Dala); Deputy Majority Leader, Garba Shehu Fammar (Kibiya); Chief Whip, Muddasir Ibrahim Zawachiki (Kumbotso); and Majority Whip, Zakariyya Abdullahi Nuhu (Gabasawa).

Others are Lawal Tini (Ajingi), Musa Tahir Haruna (Albasu), Ali Lawan Alhassan (Bagwai/Shanono), Ali Muhammad Tiga (Bebeji), Hafiz Gambo (Bunkure), Rabiu Shuaibu (Dawakin Kudu), Tukur Mohammed (Fagge), Murtala Muhammad Kadage (Garko), Abdulmajid Isah Umar (Gwale), Ahmad Ibrahim (Karaye), Alhassan Zakari (Kura/Garun Malam), Suleiman Mukhtar Ishaq (Madobi), Abdulhamid Abdul (Minjibir), Muhammad Ibrahim (Rano), Kabiru Sule Dahiru (Tarauni) and Ali Abdullahi Manager (Wudil).

With 13 existing APC members in the Assembly, the latest defection of the 22 lawmakers alongside the governor has given the APC a comfortable majority of 35 members.