Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Kano State governor, has alleged a deliberate effort by Lagos-based actors to influence northern Nigeria’s affairs.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Skyline University in Kano, the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) criticised what he described as undue interference in Kano’s traditional institutions and economic resources.

“Today, there is clear evidence of attempts from Lagos to dominate this part of the country. Lagos is now involved in choosing our emirs and imposing taxes on our people,” Kwankwaso said.

He expressed concern over what he termed a systematic relocation of resources, including tax revenues, to Lagos. “Even telephone registrations carried out here in Kano result in taxes being directed to Lagos,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also lamented the growing disparity between the rich and poor in the North, calling on northern lawmakers to remain vigilant and ensure the region is not disadvantaged in national policy-making.

“In 1999, during the first democratic dispensation, our National Assembly members were bribed to pass laws that adversely affected the northern economy. We must not allow history to repeat itself,” he warned.