Kano Journalists Protest Ill-treatment by State Govt, Boycott Activities

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has boycotted all activities related to the Kano State Government with immediate effect over ill-treatment of its members.

The decision was taken yesterday, after an emergency meeting with the Chapel members who report for various media organisations in the country.

The Chapel rejected the persistent and unacceptable mistreatment of its members by the government and its agents while discharging their primary assignments.

A statement signed by the Chapel Chairman, Aminu Ahmad Garko of News Agency of Nigeria, noted that, “despite our efforts to engage with the government and its agents to address these issues, we have seen no improvement in the situation.”

It added: “Members of the chapel continue to face harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault while performing their duties.

“It is particularly concerning that the government has prioritised 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.”

The Chapel urged all its members to comply with the directives and join the struggle in this protest, against the ill- treatment of members in the State.

“We believe that a free and independent press is essential to a functioning democracy, and we will not stand idly by while our members are mistreated and intimidated,” it added.