Kehinde Fajobi
The Kano State Government has revoked the accreditation of 14 journalists assigned to cover its activities, instructing them to return to their respective organisations for replacements. The directive was issued by Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson for Governor Abba Yusuf, on Monday via a message on the Government House press crew’s WhatsApp group.
Although no official explanation was given for the decision, Dawakin-Tofa hinted at “undisclosed issues.” His message read: “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 14 affected journalists, which include directors, producers, and cameramen from various media organisations, were named in the statement. Among them were Aliyu Yusuf, Director of Public Enlightenment; Adamu Dabo, Chairman Crew; and journalists from ARTV, FRCN, AIT, NTA, and Radio Kano.
Sources linked the decision to two key incidents. The first was a confrontation between the Kano Government House press crew and DSS operatives at Jigawa Government House during Governor Yusuf’s condolence visit following a petrol tanker explosion. The argument reportedly arose over access restrictions.
The second incident involved journalists seeking an audience with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during a religious event in Kano, which allegedly upset officials as there had been no prior approval for the meeting.
Additionally, insiders hinted at deeper reasons behind the decision, citing lingering tensions over a stray bullet that hit a journalist’s window months earlier, despite denials from government officials, and leaked information about the government’s press relations.