Kano Assembly Seeks Gov. Yusuf’s Intervention Over U.S. Bill Mentioning Kwankwaso

The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a motion calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene over a proposed United States congressional bill that mentions the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

During plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers expressed concern over the bill, which reportedly lists Kwankwaso among individuals who could face sanctions, including visa restrictions and possible asset freezes. The Assembly urged the state government to explore diplomatic and bilateral channels to address what it described as a negative impression created by the proposed legislation.

The motion was moved by Hon. Usman Tasiu, representing Kiru Constituency, who described Kwankwaso as a committed public servant whose leadership has had a positive impact on the people of Kano State. He highlighted the former governor’s contributions to education, infrastructure development, and peacebuilding across religious lines.

Tasiu also portrayed Kwankwaso as a unifying figure who has consistently opposed violence and promoted harmony among Nigerians.

Presiding over the session, Speaker Jibril Ismail Falgore put the motion to a vote, and it was unanimously adopted by the House. The Speaker stressed the need for urgent action by the Kano State Government in response to the U.S. bill.

The development follows reports that the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457), introduced by U.S. Congressmen Riley Moore and Chris Smith, references Kwankwaso in connection with alleged religious freedom violations.

In response, the Kwankwasiyya Movement rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and misleading. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, the movement maintained that Kwankwaso’s public record does not support the claims.

The statement noted that Kwankwaso has served Nigeria in various capacities for over three decades, including as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Senator, and Presidential Candidate, insisting that his record stands against violence, extremism, and terrorism.