Kano bans AIT, NTA, other journalists from covering activities

Kano State Government on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of accreditation to 14 journalists assigned to cover its activities from their organisations.

In a message forwarded to the affected reporters on Monday, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesperson for Governor Abba Yusuf, directed the journalists to return to their respective organisations for replacements.

Although no official reason was provided for the decision, Dawakin-Tofa’s message on the Government House press crew’s WhatsApp group referenced recent developments.

He wrote, “Gentlemen of the press. 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 undisclosed issues happened, and the leadership needed to take a decision at this critical time.”

The statement listed the 14 journalists affected, including directors, producers, and cameramen from various media organizations. Among those named were: Aliyu Yusuf, Director Public Enlightenment – Sani Suraj Abubakar, PRO- Adamu Dabo, Chairman Crew – FRCN- Naziru Yau, ARTV- Sadiq Sani AA, ARTV- Rabiu Sunusi, Triumph- Umar Sheka, Freedom- Jabir Dan’abba, Nasara- Labaran Sound- Simon, AIT Cameraman- Nasiru Danhaki, NTA- Abdullahi Sule, Driver- Murtala Baba Kusa, Express- Ibrahim Muazzam, Radio Kano.

Sources familiar with the dispute revealed that the decision to withdraw the accreditation of those listed may have been linked to several incidents.

One key event reportedly occurred during Governor Yusuf’s condolence visit to Jigawa, following a petrol tanker explosion.

A confrontation between the Kano government house press crew and DSS operatives at the Jigawa Government House over access restrictions degenerated into a heated argument.

Another incident involved journalists seeking an audience with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during a visit to Kano for a religious event without prior approval, which reportedly upset officials.

While these events were cited, insiders suggested the decision to withdraw accreditation might be more complex.

They linked it to lingering tensions, including a stray bullet that struck a journalist’s window months ago, despite denials from government officials, and concerns over leaked information regarding the government’s interactions with the press.