The Kano State government has been urged to uphold press freedom by Muhammad Garba, a former Commissioner for Information in the state and current President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. Garba’s statement comes in response to a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, which ranked Kano among the top three Nigerian states with the most press freedom violations in 2024.
According to the report, Kano has a poor record of respecting media rights, a claim the state government has dismissed. However, Garba emphasized the importance of a free press in a democratic society, stating that the media is not an adversary of the government, but rather a partner in nation-building. He criticized the government’s restrictive media policies, including bans on live political programs and warnings against asking certain questions, which he argued amount to censorship and undermine democratic governance.
Garba stressed that freedom of the press is essential for holding those in power accountable and for the public to access accurate information. He noted that respecting press freedom is not only a constitutional obligation but also a mark of mature and responsive leadership. The ability of journalists to report without fear of reprisal is a key indicator of press freedom, Garba added.
The issue of press freedom in Nigeria is a longstanding concern, with many journalists facing harassment, intimidation, and violence while carrying out their work. The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s report highlights the need for state governments to respect the rights of the media and ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate.
Garba’s call for the Kano State government to uphold press freedom is significant, as it comes from a former government official and a prominent figure in the journalism community. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to Garba’s statement and whether it will take steps to address the concerns raised about press freedom in the state.
