The Kano State government has revoked the accreditation of 14 journalists assigned to cover the Government House, effective immediately.
This decision was conveyed in a message from the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, via the Government House Press Crew’s WhatsApp group.
In his message, Dawakin-Tofa instructed the affected journalists to return to their respective media organizations, which are expected to nominate their replacements. “Gentlemen of the press,” he stated, “Permit me to thank all of you for a job well done in the last year and a few months. Unfortunately, while I was away in the Republic of Serbia last week, some issues arose, and the leadership needed to make a decision at this critical time.”
Among the journalists affected are those from notable media organizations, including the state-owned ARTV, NTA, Freedom Radio, Radio Kano, and AIT. The individuals named in the revocation include Aliyu Yusuf, Sani Suraj Abubakar, Adamu Dabo, Naziru Yau, Sadiq Sani AA, Rabiu Sunusi, Umar Sheka, Jabir Dan’abba, Simon (AIT Cameraman), Nasiru Danhaki, Abdullahi Sule, Murtala Baba Kusa, and Ibrahim Muazzam.
While the official announcement did not specify the reasons behind this decision, sources familiar with the situation suggest that several incidents may have led to the withdrawal of accreditation.
One insider noted a recent confrontation between the Government House press crew and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives during a condolence visit by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to Jigawa State following a tragic petrol tanker explosion. Tensions escalated when the DSS limited the number of journalists permitted entry to the event, resulting in a standoff.
Additionally, it has been reported that during a visit by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to Kano, members of the press crew used a government vehicle, an action deemed inappropriate by Kano State officials.
Though these incidents are speculated to be contributing factors, sources indicate that underlying issues may be influencing the government’s decision. “The speculations are true, and there are many more complex issues at play in the Government House,” a member of the press crew, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed “That’s why I’m not surprised by this abrupt call for replacements.”
Furthermore, some insiders have pointed to an ongoing cold war between the state government and the media, exacerbated by a previous incident where a stray bullet struck a journalist at the Government House gate. This event, which was downplayed by officials despite substantial evidence, along with other instances of internal conflicts and media restrictions, may have contributed to the decision to overhaul the Government House press team.
