The Kano State government has withdrawn the accreditation of 14 journalists assigned to cover activities at the Government House, effective immediately.
The decision was announced via a message sent to the affected journalists by the spokesman for the State governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, through the Government House Press Crew’s WhatsApp group.
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In the message, Dawakin-Tofa instructed the journalists to return to their respective media outlets, which are expected to nominate replacements.
“Gentlemen of the press,” the message read, “permit me to thank all of you for a job well done in the last one year and few months. Unfortunately, while I was away to the Republic of Serbia last week, some issues happened, and the leadership needed to take a decision at this critical time.”
The affected journalists include representatives from prominent media outlets such as the State-owned ARTV, NTA, Freedom Radio, Radio Kano, and AIT. The names listed were Aliyu Yusuf, Sani Suraj Abubakar, Adamu Dabo, Naziru Yau, Sadiq Sani AA, Rabiu Sunusi, Umar Sheka, Jabir Dan’abba, Simon (AIT Cameraman), Nasiru Danhaki, Abdullahi Sule, Murtala Baba Kusa, and Ibrahim Muazzam.
While no official reason was given for the decision, several sources have speculated on possible contributing factors. One insider pointed to a recent altercation between members of the Government House press crew and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Jigawa State Government House in Dutse. The confrontation occurred during a condolence visit by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following a petrol tanker explosion, after DSS operatives limited the number of journalists allowed to enter the venue.
Another incident reportedly involved members of the press crew using a government vehicle to seek an audience with Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, during his visit to Kano. The action was viewed as inappropriate by Kano State authorities.
Despite these speculations, some sources suggest the reasons for the withdrawal may be more complex. A member of the press crew, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The speculations are true, and there are many more complex issues at play in the Government House. That’s why I’m not surprised by this abrupt call for replacements.”
Tensions between the Kano State government and the press have reportedly been simmering for months, with incidents like the accidental shooting of a journalist near the Government House gate, which was downplayed by officials despite evidence, contributing to the strained relationship. Other internal conflicts and restrictions on media coverage are also believed to have influenced the decision to replace the press crew.
