Governor Yusuf committed to press freedom, journalists’ welfare — Bature
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has assured that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will continue to uphold press freedom and prioritize the welfare of journalists working in the state.
He dismissed insinuations that journalists were being harassed or gagged under the present administration, describing such claims as “false narratives propagated by elements of the opposition.”
According to him, Governor Yusuf has consistently provided journalists the freedom to perform their constitutional duties as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
“At no point in time has the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf used the police or the courts to harass or threaten any journalist performing his duties within the ambit of the law and ethics of the profession,” Bature stated.
Bature gave the assurance during a Tea Break session organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Chapter.
He expressed concern that some organizations outside the state were drawing wrong conclusions based on misinformation allegedly circulated by political opponents seeking to tarnish the image of the government.
Highlighting the administration’s support for media practitioners, Bature said Governor Yusuf has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of journalists, including the provision of seasonal relief materials and capacity-building opportunities.
He noted that the government is exploring partnerships with institutions such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other foundations to facilitate professional training for working journalists in Kano.
“Governor Yusuf runs an open-door policy that encourages cordial relationships with journalists. We do not discourage constructive criticism because it helps the government to grow stronger and improve its service delivery,” he added.
Bature also recalled that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) national body honored Governor Yusuf with the ‘Journalist-Friendly Governor’ award in June 2025, while the immediate past NUJ National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, decorated the governor as the Grand Patron of the NUJ Kano State Chapter.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and open access to government information, saying such practices promote accountability and strengthen democracy.
Bature concluded by urging journalists to continue adhering to professional ethics and to regard government not as an adversary but as a partner in driving democratic dividends to the people
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kano NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Murtala Adewale, commended Bature for attending the second edition of the Tea Break session.
He explained that the initiative was designed as a relaxed platform for journalists, politicians, and corporate organizations to exchange ideas and foster mutual understanding.
Adewale said the event was not merely social but an avenue to enhance collaboration between the media and policymakers for the benefit of the public.
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