The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on politicians and political stakeholders to shun political thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The communiqué committee was chaired by Comrade Abba Murtala of ARTV, with Comrade Uba Abdullahi of the Kano Online Media Chapel (KOMC) as member and Comrade Sunusi A. Kofar Naisa, also of KOMC, as member and secretary.
It was endorsed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
The Congress urged political actors to conduct their electioneering activities in accordance with established rules and regulations to safeguard peace, unity and stability in the state.
It also called on the Kano State Government to urgently intervene in recurring farmers-herders conflicts across the state to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
The union emphasised the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
On drug abuse, the Congress commended the state government for establishing the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
It appealed to residents to give the task force maximum support and cooperation to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The NUJ also urged the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly with the approaching harmattan season.
While commending the state government’s efforts to revitalise water supply infrastructure, which it said had improved access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the Congress urged the administration to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The Congress further acknowledged the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening governance and improving service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the union called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents, particularly amid ongoing road construction and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The Congress also commended the NUJ Kano State Council for securing the hosting rights of the forthcoming Media Security Summit in Kano, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
Meanwhile, the Congress filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with ARTV Kano.
The meeting also observed special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the NUJ Kano State Council Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
The Congress prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the strength to bear the losses.
