A senior official of the Kano State Government, SSR Auwalu Sani Rogo, has tendered a public apology to Abdulbaki Ali Ahmed Sharifai, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), following an incident of public assault.
The apology was tendered on Wednesday at the office of the Commissioner for the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya.
The reconciliation meeting was attended by members of the Kano Online Media Chapel Executive Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Abdulƙadir Dangambo, directors of the ministry, and a veteran journalist and former NUJ chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Datti Arzai.
Speaking during the meeting, Commissioner Waiya called on the SSR and other government officials to maintain a cordial working relationship with journalists in the interest of the state’s development.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with media professionals, recognising their critical role in informing the public about government policies and programs.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abdulƙadir Dangambo, expressed appreciation to the commissioner for his timely intervention in resolving the matter.
Dangambo noted that the incident was unfortunate and advised public officials to understand and respect the roles and responsibilities of journalists.
“We are partners in progress towards nation-building, especially in a democratic dispensation,” he said.
It will be recalled that the incident occurred during the Argungu Fishing Festival, where the SSR allegedly assaulted the journalist in public.
