Former NUJ president advises Kano govt to stop harassment of journalists

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

A former President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Malam Muhammad Garba, has advised Kano state government to embrace constructive media engagement, insisting that working journalists in the state must be allowed to practice in conducive atmosphere devoid of harassment.

Garba, who was two-time Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in Kano state, urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to reflect on the recent report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).

Garba, who was also former Chief of Staff to the immediate-past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, regretted over what he described as sustained criticism of the Kano State Government by local and international media rights organizations, in recent times.

In a statement issued on Sunday and made available to our Correspondent, Garba said that genuine collaboration between the government and the media would enhance the flow of accurate information, deepen citizens’ understanding of government policies, and promote transparency in governance.

According to the statement, “a government confident enough to engage the press constructively demonstrates both strength and accountability.

“Freedom of the press is measured not by plaques or ceremonies, but by the ability of journalists to report without fear of reprisal.”

Garba who is currently Special Adviser to the Minister of Information further stated that open communication and mutual respect between the state and journalists will build trust, strengthen public confidence, and enhance the credibility of government communications.

He described as contradictory, “the government’s claim of promoting free speech while simultaneously using state institutions to intimidate journalists and silence dissenting voices.

“The media is not an enemy of government; it is a partner in nation-building. Respecting press freedom is not only a constitutional obligation, but also a mark of mature and responsive leadership.”

Garba noted with concern that, “despite the government’s dismissal of the WSCIJ report as misleading and malicious, the growing record of arrests, intimidation, and restrictive media policies paints a worrying picture of repression.”

He cited several incidents, including: “The directive by the state government to the police to investigate Daily Nigerian publisher, Jafar Jaafar, after a report alleging corruption involving a senior government official.

“The arrest and detention of Ibrahim Ishaq Dan’uwa Rano, founder of Dan’uwa Rano TV, over a similar report.

“The detention of Kano Times reporters Buhari Rano and Ismail Auwal, and the arrest of Abdulaziz Aliyu of Waraka Online TV for publishing critical stories; and
the August 2024 attack on a Channels Television crew bus by machete-wielding assailants during a protest in Kano.”

Garba also condemned what he described as the state government’s restrictive media directives, “including bans on live political programmes and warnings against asking what it termed ‘provocative questions.”

He argued that such policies amount to censorship and undermining of democratic governance.

Garba, who also serves as a steering committee member of the International Forum on Ethical Journalism, called on Governor Yusuf’s administration to, “reverse this trend and adopt a media-friendly approach that guarantees journalists’ safety and freedom.”