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Exclusive: How Kano Govt. Withdraws Accreditation of 14 Journalists Covering Government House

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The Kano state government’s sudden withdrawal of accreditation for 14 journalists covering the Government House has raised questions about its commitment to media freedom and sparked speculation about the reasons behind this decision.

Investigation by the Nigerian Tracker revealed that the relationship between the Government House press crew and state officials has been strained since the coming of Abba Kabir Yusuf as the governor of Kano state, with challenges ranging from poor working conditions, lack of welfare, motivation and ongoing tensions with security personnel.

Journalists reported several incidents where government officials, including the governor’s aides and security team, limited their access to governor’s activities.

Two incidents that occurred recently are seen as the reason behind the journalists withdrawal.

First incident was during the governor’s recent visit to Jigawa State.

Journalists accompanying him were denied entry to the venue where governor Yusuf was meeting with the Jigawa governor, with security citing limited space as the reason.

Although they were assured they would be allowed in to cover his speech, the meeting concluded without them covering the event.

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The journalists voiced out their worry immediately.

When they returned to Kano, they sought to address the issue with the governor. As he briefly gave them audience, but no solution was provided immediately.

Nigerian Tracker gathered that another incident involving the journalists reportedly took place during an official visit by the Bauchi State Governor to Kano. Aliyu Yusuf, the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Government House led the journalists to meet the Bauchi state governor at his lodge in Kano.

Upon arrival, they learned that Kano state deputy governor Aminu Abdussalam, was there with his team. Deputy Governor’s Press Crew expressed displeasure with the presence of the media team covering the governor’s office. Knowing that the governor himself was not there.

Tensions escalated when the Deputy Governor’s Aide called the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Shehu Wada Sagagi and informed him.

The Chief of Staff sent a Governor’s Aide who had reportedly clashed with the press on multiple occasions to the scene, and he reported back to the Chief of Staff, to the hearing of the Governor eventually.

The internal political power dynamics may have influenced the decision to revoke the journalists’ accreditation.

The struggle reportedly involves the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Commissioner for Information Baba Halilu Dantiye, and the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The DG Media, close to Governor Yusuf, has held significant sway over government publicity, often sidelining the Commissioner for Information.

The Chief of Staff, meanwhile, has been a vocal critic of the DG’s handling of the press and accused the Government House journalists of lacking competence.

Some insiders believe the decision to remove these journalists may be an attempt to diminish the DG Media’s influence by targeting his loyal media representatives.

Observers note that the move could signal an ongoing effort to reassign responsibilities within the governor’s communication team.

As journalists now face an uncertain future in covering Government House, questions asked are about the impact of these developments on transparency and media relations within Kano state’s political landscape.

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Governor Yusuf Approves 200 Riyals Support, Ihram for Each Kano Pilgrim

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a cash support of 200 Saudi Riyals and Ihram to each intending pilgrim from the state for the 2026 hajj exercise.

 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, disclosed this on Sunday during the launch of the practical demonstration session organised by the Kano State pilgrims Welfare Board for prospective pilgrims in Kano.

 

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo explained that the exercise was organized to educate, inform, spiritually prepare the intending pilgrims for the Hajj rites from Ihram to Tawaf, from Sa’i to Arafat, from Muzdalifah to Mina and the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat.

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He stated that the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to the welfare and well-being of all the pilgrims from the state.

 

Garo said, “This demonstration is a vital aspect of Hajj preparation. Hajj is not merely a journey of travel; it is a sacred act of worship that requires adequate knowledge, discipline, patience and sincere devotion to Allah.”

 

Garo further conveyed the Governor’s goodwill gesture to the pilgrims.

 

He added, “I also wish to give the good tidings to our pilgrims that the Kano State Government has approved the sum of 200 Saudi Riyals and Ihram to each and every intending pilgrim as a compliment from His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.”

 

The Deputy Governor also revealed that the administration has secured conducive accommodation arrangements to ensure the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

 

According to him, the state government has equally deployed well-trained medical personnel to complement healthcare services provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), saying qualified Islamic scholars have also been selected to provide spiritual guidance during the exercise.

 

He urged the intending pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of Kano State and Nigeria by obeying the laws of Saudi Arabia and conducting themselves with discipline, humility, and responsibility throughout the pilgrimage.

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6 Kano Central Senatorial Aspirants Withdraw for Senator Ibrahim Shekarau

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Six Kano Central senatorial aspirants have withdrawn for Senator Ibrahim Shekarau in the forthcoming 2027 general election.

One of the senatorial aspirants and a former Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Usman Bala Muhammad, stated this while addressing journalists at Aminu Kano House in Abuja.

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Those that Withdraw for Malam Ibrahim Shekarau are Dr Muhammad Zango,Alhaji Danyaro Yakasai,Usman Bala Muhammad ,Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada and Shehu Isah Direba.

 

The aspirants have already purchased their nominations forms and submitted to APC secretariat before they were called for a consensus by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

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Obi Thunders at NDC Convention: ‘Rethink Now, Tyrants! Nigerians Will Reclaim Power in 2027!

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

 

The presidential hopeful of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, vowed today at the party’s national convention in Abuja to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with the support of Nigerians.

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In his words: “To the beneficiaries of democracy who have now turned themselves into agents of destruction, depriving Nigerians of the democracy they enjoy—who think we will not have a free and fair election in 2027—let them rethink now, because we are going to have a free, fair, and credible election.”

 

The party’s convention today officially unveiled the NDC as the country’s second most vibrant opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

With both Mr. Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the NDC, and Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen in the ADC, the political atmosphere is set for a power play in 2027.

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