Kano State Government has refuted a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), which listed Kano among states where press freedom is under threat.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Kano, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the report titled “Shrinking Freedoms – 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report” as misleading and unreflective of the true situation in the state.
Waiya said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf maintains a cordial relationship with journalists and media organizations, emphasizing that the government views the media as a key partner in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
He noted that Governor Yusuf’s openness to media engagement has earned him multiple awards from reputable national media organizations, including Blueprint, Leadership, and Nigerian NewsDirect newspapers.
The Commissioner also outlined several initiatives that demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting journalism, including hosting the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), establishing the NUJ Online Chapel in Kano, and organizing quarterly interactive sessions with media executives.
Waiya further disclosed that the state government is at an advanced stage of supporting a national conference for the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters to promote ethical and professional standards in the industry.
On civic engagement, he added that the state recently handled public protests against economic hardship peacefully, with Governor Yusuf personally addressing demonstrators and listening to their concerns.
The Commissioner urged the WSCIJ and similar organizations to conduct on-the-ground assessments before publishing reports that could mislead the public and undermine genuine efforts to protect press freedom in Kano.
