Omoyele Sowore, the #RevolutionNow convener, has strongly condemned Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, labeling him “Munafikin Banza,” which translates to hypocrite.
This criticism comes amidst growing concerns over the mistreatment of minors participating in recent protests against government policies and hunger.
Sowore’s accusation implies that Kwankwaso’s actions or inactions are contradictory to his public stance, particularly regarding the welfare of the people.
Sowore, a prominent Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, recently fired back at Kwankwaso, in a scathing comment under the former’s Kano governor’s tweet, calling him out for hypocrisy.
His comments were triggered by Kwankwaso’s statement regarding the shocking arraignment of minors accused of participating in the peaceful nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest held in August.
In post on his X account, Sowore wrote, “Who are the Munafikin Banzas?
“Politicians across Nigeria who created the poverty, insecurity, and destruction that have turned Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, the most unsafe, the most insecure, and then turning around pretending they care when issues are trending.
In a video of an address to the people of Bauchi State, attached to the recent post, Sowore lamented the dire state of the nation, stating, “There is no money in Nigeria, we are in serious trouble where hunger and starvation has become our situation.”
Sowore urged citizens to take action and avoid voting for politicians who have consistently let them down, emphasising, “Now it is time for action.”
He called for “authentic revolutionary change” rather than the status quo represented by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“People of Bauchi state, I’m Omoyele Sowore, there is no money in Nigeria, we are in serious trouble. Hunger, starvation has become our situation,” he said in the video. “But our own change is not APC change, this one is authentic revolutionary change in Nigeria.”
Kwankwaso in a tweet on Friday condemned the government for its failure to protect vulnerable groups, stating, “As leaders, it is our duty to protect the most vulnerable among us, particularly children, women, old and the needy.”
He denounced the stringent bail conditions for the minors, calling it absurd and a violation of the Child’s Rights Act 2003.
“I am shocked by the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja, for alleged participation in the End Bad Governance Protest.
“These children, who are obviously malnourished and need medical attention have been subjected to a cruel experience when they should be in school.
“The arraignment of such number of minors in their states is highly unusual and negates every tenet of the protection of human rights and dignity,” Kwankwaso said in his message on X.