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.
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.
