The 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has made bold allegations against Lagos, accusing it of attempting to "colonize" the northern region of Nigeria.
Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure and former governor of Kano State, expressed concerns over what he perceives as undue influence from Lagos in the affairs of the North.
Kwankwaso claimed that there are "efforts from the Lagos axis to colonize this part of the country," highlighting issues such as interference in the selection of emirs in Kano.
He alleged that "Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir," suggesting that external forces are dictating local governance matters.
Furthermore, he criticized the imposition of taxes by Lagos on businesses in Kano, arguing that these actions divert crucial tax revenue away from the North.
The senator also addressed broader socio-economic challenges facing the northern region, including economic crises, insecurity, poverty, hunger, and disease.
He accused Lagos of exacerbating wealth disparities, stating, "We have seen the efforts of some people to make the poor poorer and the rich richer," which he believes poses a threat to social stability.
Kwankwaso called on northern lawmakers to be vigilant and protect the region from what he described as exploitation and economic marginalization.
His remarks reflect ongoing tensions between regional interests within Nigeria and raise questions about governance, resource distribution, and political influence across the country.
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