A legal practitioner, Ekemini Udim, has urged the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to address the media over his blacklisting by US lawmakers for alleged “severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria.
Udim was reacting to the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026 (HR 7457) to the US Congress by some lawmakers on Tuesday.
If passed, the bill would compel the US Departments of State and Treasury to impose visa bans and asset freezes on Kwankwaso, alongside groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, for their alleged roles in the systemic persecution of Christians.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Udim said the former Minister of Defence needs to explain the situation to Nigerians.
READ ALSO: Kwankwasiyya Movement Demands Removal Of Kwankwaso’s Name From US Bill
“I think that the former governor and former minister can, on his own, come clean and address the media, tell Nigerian citizens that he is also surprised, if he is, about the inclusion of his name there.
“Let Nigerian citizens see clearly that he has no sponsor in the terrorist group, in the group to decimate Christians or Muslim minorities in some part of the country; he needs to do all of that,” he said.
Udim expressed surprise at seeing Kwankwaso’s name in the bill, noting that he had not previously seen his name mentioned as one of those sponsoring terrorism.
He added that US lawmakers would need to further explain how Kwankwaso’s name appeared on the list.
The lawyer acknowledged that every citizen has the right to defend himself or herself against allegations, expressing hope that the US Congress would accord Kwankwaso that opportunity and confront him with whatever evidence they may have.
“As a lawyer, I would also say let it be done carefully with all the facts there because every citizen of the world has a fundamental right duly guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the right to a good name is there.
“The African Charter also talks about the right to a good name, the right to be given the opportunity to express yourself when you’re accused of any allegation.
“So, I just hope that the American Congress understands this fact and then accords that right of explanation to Rabiu Kwankwaso and also confronts him with what they think they have against him,” he added.
Udim further commended the effort by the American government and legislators to blacklist anyone found sponsoring terrorism.
The bill was introduced by Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.
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