Members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, have resolved to refrain from covering all the State Government’s activities following claims of alleged maltreatment.
The decision was reportedly taken after an emergency congress held on June 10, 2024, in response to what the council described as persistent and unacceptable maltreatment of members in the state by the government and its officials while discharging their primary assignments.
A communique issued after the congress and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Aminu Ahmed Garko, called on all members to comply with the directive and join in the protest against the ill-treatment of members in Kano State.
They noted in the communique that despite efforts to engage with the government and its officials to address the issues, there has been no improvement in the situation. Instead, members of the chapel continue to face harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault while performing their duties.
Furthermore, they stressed that: “It is particularly concerning that the government has prioritized non-professionals over trained journalists, making it a state policy to sideline those who are best equipped to handle the job.
“As a result, we regret to announce that we will no longer participate in press conferences, cover government events, or conduct interviews with state officials until we see a tangible commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists.”
According to the communique, all members are to comply with the directive and join in the protest against the ill-treatment of members in Kano State.
They reiterated that a free and independent press is essential to a functioning democracy, and they will not stand idly by while their members are mistreated and intimidated.
