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Kano State Government Rejects Press Freedom Violation Allegations by Wole Soyinka Centre, Cites Media-Friendly Record

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The Kano State Government has dismissed claims made by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism that the state ranks among the top violators of press freedom in Nigeria. The response was delivered by the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a press briefing in Kano on Wednesday

Addressing journalists, Waiya expressed appreciation for the media’s role in the development of Kano State, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to ethical journalism and civic engagement.

He stated, “The report released by the Wole Soyinka Centre titled ‘Shrinking Freedoms 2024’ does not reflect the true status of media freedom in Kano. It is a figment of imagination by armchair analysts masquerading under the guise of investigative journalism”.

Waiya highlighted the achievements of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that the administration has received multiple accolades for its media-friendly policies. “Governor Yusuf has been honored by no fewer than five reputable media organizations, including Blueprint, Leadership, and Nigerian NewsDirect, for his openness and support for press freedom,” Waiya said. These awards include “Governor of the Year” titles and recognitions for courage in leadership and contributions to education and healthcare.

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The Commissioner further noted that Kano State is actively working to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and access to information. “This is part of our broader commitment to accountability and civic participation,” Waiya added.

In addition to legislative efforts, Waiya cited several initiatives that underscore the state’s media-friendly posture. These include hosting the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), supporting the establishment of the NUJ’s online chapel, and organizing quarterly forums with media executives for performance reviews and idea sharing.

The Commissioner also pointed to Kano’s support for digital journalism and broadcasting innovation. “We are at an advanced stage of sponsoring a national conference for the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters to promote ethics and professionalism,” he said.

Waiya emphasized the administration’s inclusive approach to governance, referencing the state-sponsored Civil Society Organizations Conference and the peaceful handling of a protest against bad governance. “Governor Yusuf personally received the protesters at Government House, listened to their grievances, and assured them of his commitment to accountability,” he noted.

The Commissioner concluded by urging the Wole Soyinka Centre and similar organizations to conduct thorough field assessments before publishing reports. “Misleading publications not only misrepresent states like Kano but also undermine genuine efforts to promote press freedom and civic engagement,” he said.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the principles of free expression, responsible journalism, and democratic dialogue, positioning itself as a model of transparency and media cooperation in Nigeria.

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RATTAWU Kano Mourns Veteran Broadcaster Adamu Ibrahim Getso, Condoles Family

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The Kano State Council of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran broadcaster and former Director-General of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.
The Chairman of RATTAWU Kano State Council, Comrade Babangida Mahmouda Biyamusu, on behalf of the State Executive Council and members of the union, led a high-powered delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late media icon.
In a condolence message signed by the union’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Idris Yola, and made available to Pressmen, Comrade Biyamusu described the passing of Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso as a monumental loss not only to the media industry but also to Kano State and the nation at large.
He noted that the late broadcaster devoted more than three decades of his life to public service, information dissemination, mentorship, and the promotion of professional journalism and broadcasting.
According to him, the legacy of professionalism, integrity, dedication, and excellence left behind by the deceased will continue to inspire present and future generations of journalists and broadcasters.
“On behalf of RATTAWU Kano State Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, the Kano State Government, the management and staff of ARTV and Radio Kano, his friends, associates, and the entire people of Kano State over this irreparable loss,” Biyamusu stated.
He added that RATTAWU would continue to cherish and remember the immense contributions of the late media veteran to the growth and development of the broadcasting industry in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
The union prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends, and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

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Senate Leader Proposes Single Six-Year Term for President, Governors After 2027

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has announced plans to sponsor a bill introducing a single six-year tenure for Nigeria’s president and state governors, to take effect after the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with reporters in his office on Tuesday, Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first he presents when the next Senate is inaugurated. He argued that a single, longer term would allow elected leaders to focus entirely on governance, rather than on re-election campaigns.

“One of the first set of bills that I look forward to moving, by God’s grace, when we come back for the 11th Senate, is a bill that will make it possible for anyone who wants to be president of this country, or governor in any part of this country, to spend only one term of six years,” Bamidele said.

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He criticized the current two-term arrangement, noting that it forces officeholders to spend a significant portion of their first term on political calculations and preparations for re-election.

“So that you don’t even have to worry about wasting almost one and a half years of your first term thinking and struggling and looking forward to how you’ll be re-elected,” he explained. “If you know you are there for six years, only one tenure, you put in your best from day one. You know this is the only chance that you have.”

Acknowledging that the proposal may not attract universal support, Bamidele maintained that lawmakers have a duty to pursue reforms they believe will strengthen governance.

“That’s my opinion. It doesn’t mean everybody will agree with me. But it also does not mean that I am prevented from doing that because that has not been the law,” he said. “The essence of law, the essence of parliament, is that laws are like human beings; they grow.”

If formally introduced and passed by the National Assembly, the proposal would require constitutional amendments before it can take effect.

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JUST IN: House of Reps Summon Service Chiefs, Ribadu over Rising Insecurity

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The house of representatives has summoned the service chiefs and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), to appear before the parliament over the rising incidents of insecurity across the country.

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The green chamber passed the resolution during Tuesday’s plenary following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sulaiman Gumi, lawmaker representing Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency in Zamfara state.

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