The Kano State government has revoked the accreditation of 14 journalists assigned to cover activities at the Government House, effective immediately.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the decision was announced through a message sent by Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesman for the Kano State governor, via the Government House Press Crew’s WhatsApp group.
Dawakin-Tofa thanked the journalists for their service in the message, but she also gave them instructions to return to their respective media organizations so they could nominate replacements.
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“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 a few months. Unfortunately, while I was away in 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 major media outlets such as ARTV, NTA, Freedom Radio, Radio Kano, and AIT.
Among those listed are 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.
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While no official reason was provided for the mass withdrawal, several speculations have emerged. One incident involved an altercation between members of the press crew and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) during a condolence visit to Jigawa State by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The altercation arose when DSS operatives restricted the number of journalists allowed to enter the venue, reportedly sparking tensions.
Another incident involved press crew members using a government vehicle to seek an audience with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during his visit to Kano, which was seen as inappropriate by Kano State officials.
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Some insiders suggest deeper issues contributed to the decision, including growing tensions between the government and the media. A member of the press crew, speaking anonymously, hinted at long-standing internal conflicts and other undisclosed issues at the Government House.
Relations between the Kano State government and the media have been strained in recent months. One notable incident involved the accidental shooting of a journalist near the Government House gate, an event downplayed by officials despite evidence, adding to the press’s grievances.
The move to replace the journalists reflects ongoing tension between the government and the media, with the decision seen as part of broader efforts to manage press relations within the state.