The Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has assured that the state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, will continue to uphold freedom of the press and ensure welfare of working journalists in the state.
Contrary to allegations of media harasment in Kano, Dawakin-Tofa stressed that Governor Yusuf remained most media friendly government attested by series of awards conferred on him.
Speaking recently at a Tea Break session organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano chapter, Dawakin-Tofa dismissed insinuations that journalists are being intimidated under Governor Yusuf’s administration.
The Governor’s spokesperson insisted his principal has continued to give journalists adequate freedom to perform their constitutional responsibilities as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
He further denied allegations from the opposition that the state government is using police and the court to threaten journalists, maintaining that, “at no point in time has Kano state government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, used police or the court of law to harass or threaten any journalist who is performing his duties within the ambit of the law and ethics of the profession.”
Dawakin-Tofa regretted that some organizations outside the state are jumping into conclusion, “after being fed with falsehood and misinformation concocted by elements of the opposition who are hell-bent to blackmail Governor Yusuf’s administration through deliberate distortion of facts.”
He further stated that Governor Yusuf continue to ensure the welfare of journalists in the state through provision of seasonal relief materials and capacity building initiatives.
According to Bature, “Governor Yusuf runs and open door policy, which encourages cordial relationship and engagements with journalists who we see as partners in progress.
“We do not discourage constructive criticisms because through that way, the government stands on its feet and improve upon its achievements and progress.”
Dawakin-Tofa further revealed that Governor Yusuf’s administration has expressed a commitment to investing in capacity-building initiatives for journalists, exploring partnerships with institutions like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other Foundations to provide training and professional development opportunities for working journalists in the state.
“It is also on record that in recognition of his support and transparent governance, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) national body, honored Governor Yusuf with the ‘Journalist-Friendly Governor’ award in June 2025.
“More so, the immediate-past National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo decorated Governor Yusuf as the Grand Patron of the NUJ Kano State Chapter. Comrade Chris was personally in Kano for the investiture of the Governor,” Dawakin-Tofa added.
He emphasized that Governor Yusuf’s administration ensuring access to government information and officials to enable journalists to perform their duties effectively and promote transparency and accountability.
He, however, urged journalists to keep maintaining the code of ethics of the profession, and view the government, not as an enemy, but as a vehicle through which democratic dividends are pushed to the masses.
In his remarks, the chairman of Kano state NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Murtala Adewale, commended the Governor’s spokesperson for joining in the second special edition of the Tea Break session.
Adewale said the idea behind the Tea Break, “is to relax and share ideas. This is not only a social gathering, but also a platform for politicians and corporate organizations to chat and share ideas with journalists.”