The Kano State government has dismissed a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, which listed it as a frontline violator of press freedom.
Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Abdullahi Ibrahim Wayas, in a press statement on Thursday, said that the report, titled “Shrinking Freedoms: 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report”, was not only mischievous but also unfounded.
According to him, “The Kano State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, categorically and unambiguously rejects this claim in its entirety.”
He argued that the report did not reflect the true status of media freedom practices and civic engagement in the state, adding that, at best, the report is “a mere expression and figment of imagination of some armchair analysts”
“Kano State remains one of the most open, media-friendly, and journalist-supportive states in the federation,” he stated while listing several media-friendly awards bestowed on the governor by various media outlets in recent times.
He also highlighted the recent sponsorship and hosting of the meeting of the National Executive Council of the NUJ in the state as a demonstration of their partnership with media practitioners.
“These recognitions are a clear reflection of his open-door policy, accessibility, friendliness to the media, respect for journalists and communication professionals, as well as freedom of expression as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution,” he stated.
He noted that the state government was also working hard to replicate the Freedom of Information Act as part of its commitment towards enhancing access to information and ensuring best practices of accountability and transparency.
He urged the Centre and similar organisations to ensure professionalism, proper verification and field assessment before releasing reports that could misrepresent states like Kano, which are genuinely promoting and supporting press freedom and civic engagement.
Leave a Comment