Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, remains firmly committed to protecting press freedom and improving the welfare of journalists in the state, according to his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Director-General, Media and Publicity.
Speaking during a Tea Break session organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kano, Bature dismissed allegations that the Yusuf administration has been involved in harassing or intimidating journalists. He emphasized that the governor maintains a long-standing reputation as one of the most media-friendly leaders in Kano’s history.
His clarification follows a recent report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism titled “Shrinking Freedoms: 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report,” which listed Kano among states where journalists reportedly face hostility. Bature, however, described the claim as misleading, insisting that the report does not reflect the realities in Kano.
“At no point has Governor Abba Yusuf or his administration used the police, courts, or any state instrument to intimidate or threaten journalists performing their lawful duties,” Bature stated. “These allegations are fabrications by political opponents who fear the transparency and openness that define this government.”
He added that Governor Yusuf’s administration recognizes the vital role of the media in democracy and has made deliberate efforts to support journalists’ welfare through seasonal relief packages and plans for capacity development in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other institutions.
According to Bature, the governor believes that constructive criticism from the media strengthens governance and enhances accountability. “Governor Yusuf encourages criticism because it helps the government grow and perform better,” he noted.
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He further recalled that in June 2025, the NUJ national leadership honoured Governor Yusuf with the Journalist-Friendly Governor Award, while former NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, decorated him as Grand Patron of the NUJ Kano chapter in recognition of his consistent engagement with the press.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Murtala Adewale, commended the governor’s media team for fostering open dialogue with journalists, describing the interactive tea break as a vital bridge between the government and the media community.
Observers say the governor’s stance comes at a time when concerns over shrinking media freedoms dominate public discourse across Nigeria. Yusuf’s reaffirmation is seen as a strategic message of reassurance to journalists working in the state and beyond.
