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CITAD Condemns Arrest Of Two Youth Over Facebook Post ,Calls For Their Immediate Release

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12 months ago

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CITAD

 

 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) strongly condemns the arrest of two young citizens in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State over a social media post allegedly criticizing the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, for abandoning a road construction project in the area.

The two individuals, Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu, were reportedly arrested on Monday on the orders of the Local Government Chairman following a Facebook post about the uncompleted Lambu–Banki–Yarimawa–Jakata road project, which was reportedly approved by the state government at a cost of ₦240 million

The duo were said to have been detained at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before being transferred to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters, Bompai, for further investigation. Their arrest has reportedly generated tension within the community.

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CITAD views this incident as part of a growing and disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful detention of citizens and social media users for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression. Arresting individuals for expressing opinions on public projects is a gross violation of their digital rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. This persistent pattern of intimidation, aim at curtailing the freedoms of citizens is capable of undermining the confidence of people on electoral democracy, in a content that can only be described as trying times for Nigeria.

We therefore:

1. Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu.
2. Urge the Kano State Police Command to refrain from being used as a tool for political persecution.
3. Appeal to public officials to embrace accountability and constructive criticism as integral elements of democratic governance.
4. Encourage social media users to continue exercising their rights responsibly while contributing to transparency and good governance.
5. Encourage the Kano State Government to caution local government officials to appreciate public criticism as a strong pillar of democracy that uniquely distinguishes civilian rule from military authoritarianism

In a statement by YZ Yau Executive Director said CITAD remains committed to promoting digital rights, protecting online freedom of expression, and ensuring that the internet remains a safe space for civic participation and accountability in Nigeria as part of its broader commitment to deepening meaningful democracy in Nigeria.

 

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Kano Governor Nominates Ex- Speaker, Spokesperson as Commissioners

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25 minutes ago

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November 2, 2026

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has nominated his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Balarabe Sa’idu Gani, for appointment as commissioners.

The governor has forwarded their names to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The Assembly is expected to screen the nominees on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, said the legislature had received a formal communication from Governor Yusuf requesting the screening of the two nominees.

He added that the exercise would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gani served as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007, while Bature currently serves as the governor’s spokesperson.

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2027: Rep Abubakar Kabir Bichi holds strategic meeting with Kano lawmakers

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2 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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The Chairman, House of representatives committee on appropriations Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has convened a meeting of all APC State Assembly Members and 40 Candidates in the upcoming 2027 General elections, led by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Crucial issues were discussed on how best to coordinate their campaigns programs to deliver the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

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The meeting was held at his Bichi office, Sunday evening 1st November 2026.

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Waiya’s Removal: Veteran Journalist Urges Yusuf to Appoint Professional as Information Commissioner

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5 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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A veteran journalist, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta, has commended Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for removing Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya from his position as Commissioner for Information in the state’s recent cabinet reshuffle.

Danbatta, who has more than 30 years of experience in journalism, made the commendation in a statement issued to the press, arguing that Waiya’s approach to managing the Ministry of Information was more reflective of civil society activism and advocacy than professional journalism.

According to the veteran journalist, the former commissioner’s activities did little to strengthen professional journalism standards and improve the reputation of the media industry in Kano State.

“As someone who has spent over 30 years in the field of journalism, I commend Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his decision to remove the former Commissioner for Information. His approach was not that of a journalist; rather, he operated like an activist, an approach that essentially distorted the profession because it conflicted with the established ethics and standards of journalism,” Danbatta said.

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He further alleged that Waiya’s activities had created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations monitoring media freedom, professional standards and the rights of journalists.

“His actions created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations that monitor the media industry and the rights of journalists. It is truly regrettable,” he added.

Danbatta expressed hope that Governor Yusuf would appoint a suitably qualified and experienced professional to head the Ministry of Information, stressing the importance of appointing someone with a solid background in journalism and a cordial working relationship with media practitioners.

He said the next commissioner should prioritise the development of the media industry, promote professional ethics and work towards restoring the reputation of journalism in Kano State.

The veteran journalist also expressed his readiness to offer professional advice and support to the state government towards improving the media sector.

“If the Governor of Kano State takes this step, we, for our part, are prepared to continue offering our full support and advice to help improve the profession and elevate its standing in Kano State in the eyes of the world,” he stated.

Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta has over three decades of experience in journalism, having worked with several media organisations in Nigeria and abroad.

His professional career includes service with the Hausa Service of Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany; the Hausa section of Daily Trust newspaper; and as Deputy Editor of Rariya newspaper.

He also served as an editor at Hamada Radio in Abuja and Head of the Hausa Service at Kiss FM, Abuja, before joining Radio Nigeria in a managerial capacity.

Waiya was recently reassigned from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youth as part of Governor Yusuf’s cabinet reshuffle.

 

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