Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has banned NTA, AIT, and 12 other journalists from covering activities of the state’s government house.
Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesman for Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, in a message to the affected pressmen, directed them to report back to their respective offices, requesting replacements from their various organisations.
The message posted on the Whatsapp group of the Government House crew by Bature urged them to abide by the directive which takes effect from Tuesday.
The statement reads, “Gentlemen of the press, permit me to use this opportunity to thank all of you for a job well done in the last one year and few months.
“Unfortunately, while I was away to Republic of Serbia last week, some issues happened and the leadership need to take a decision at this critical time.
“This is not by anyway end of our relationship. We will continue to work as professional colleagues at both official and personal levels. List of Members of the Crew Due for Replacement from Govt. House’’
The list of members of the crew due for replacement from Government House include the Director, Public Enlightenment, Government House, Aliyu Yusuf; Public Relations Officer, Sani Suraj Abubakar, and the Chairman of the crew, Adamu Dabo, who covers the government House for Pyramid Radio (FRCN).
Others are Naziru Yau, ARTV; Sadiq Sani AA, ARTV cameraman; Rabiu Sunusi, Triumph; Umar Sheka, Freedom Radio; Jabir Dan’abba, Nasara Radio; Labara Sound, Simon AIT Cameraman; Nasiru Danhaki, NTA; Abdullahi Sule, Crew Driver; Murtala Baba Kusa, Express Radio and Ibrahim Muazzam, Radio Kano.
“The above members of staff are expected to report back to their respective organisations for re-assignment, pls,” Bature added.
While no reason was given for the withdrawal of their accreditation, sources familiar with the development said it may have been linked to several incidents.
One key event reportedly occurred during Governor Yusuf’s condolence visit to Jigawa, following a petrol tanker explosion.
A confrontation between the Kano government house press crew and DSS operatives at the Jigawa Government House over access restrictions degenerated into a heated argument.
Another incident involved journalists seeking an audience with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during a visit to Kano for a religious event without prior approval, which reportedly upset officials.
While these events were cited, insiders suggested the decision to withdraw accreditation might be more complex.
They linked it to lingering tensions, including a stray bullet that struck a journalist’s window months ago, despite denials from government officials, and concerns over leaked information regarding the government’s interactions with the press.