A former aide to ex President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has rejected suggestions that United States lawmakers proposed a visa ban on Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over his role in implementing Sharia law during his tenure as Governor of Kano State in 2000.
Ahmad made his position known on Thursday through his X platform, describing the claim as insulting and unfounded. He argued that Sharia is not a criminal concept and that its implementation does not amount to an offence that should attract punitive measures against any individual.
According to Ahmad, linking any reported visa restriction to Kwankwaso’s involvement in adopting Sharia law in Kano ignores the legal and constitutional framework within which the policy was introduced at the time. He maintained that the decision to implement Sharia in Kano was carried out in line with the prevailing laws and reflected the will of the people in the state.
The former presidential aide emphasized that portraying the policy as grounds for international sanctions undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and misrepresents the historical and political context of the move. He insisted that the narrative suggesting punitive action by US lawmakers lacks credible backing.
His comments come amid discussions about an alleged move by some US lawmakers to impose visa restrictions on the former Kano governor. However, there has been no official confirmation from US authorities regarding the claim as of the time of filing this report.
The controversy has sparked conversations within political circles, with supporters of Kwankwaso dismissing the reports as speculative. Observers note that until there is formal communication from US officials, the claim remains unverified.
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