Kano Govt Revokes Accreditation of 14 Journalists Amid Rising Tensions
By Matthew Eloyi
The Kano State Government on Tuesday withdrew the accreditation of 14 journalists assigned to cover its activities, directing them to return to their respective media organisations for replacements.
Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson for Governor Abba Yusuf, communicated the decision through a message posted on the Government House press crew’s WhatsApp group.
While no official reason was given, Dawakin-Tofa referenced “recent developments” during his announcement.
He wrote, “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 affected journalists include directors, producers, and cameramen from various media outlets such as FRCN, ARTV, Triumph, Freedom Radio, AIT, NTA, Radio Kano, and others. Some of those named are: Aliyu Yusuf, Director Public Enlightenment; Sani Suraj Abubakar, PRO; Adamu Dabo, Chairman Crew (FRCN); and Naziru Yau (ARTV).
Sources suggest that the revocation may be linked to several incidents. One such incident occurred during Governor Yusuf’s condolence visit to Jigawa State after a petrol tanker explosion. A confrontation between the Kano Government House press crew and DSS operatives over access restrictions escalated into a heated argument.
Additionally, journalists reportedly sought an audience with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during a visit to Kano for a religious event, without prior approval, further straining relations with officials.
There have also been whispers of other underlying tensions, including a stray bullet incident that struck a journalist’s window months ago, and concerns about leaked information related to the government’s interactions with the press.
While the exact reasons for the decision remain unclear, the withdrawal of accreditation has sparked conversations about the relationship between the Kano State Government and the media.
