Journalists are working with the aim of feeding the general public with what they want to know, not to impress those in authority, individuals or group of people. Thus, the need for editorial independence.
I was very much surprised and disappointed when I heard a report revealing Governor Ganduje's action of sending away our professional colleague, Abbas Yusha'u Yusuf of Freedom Radio, Kano, out of Government House, simply because, he reported an encounter between the Governor's security escort and unknown gun men, on their way from Jos to Abuja.
Ganduje should know that Abbas is not his aide, rather, a reporter attached to the Kano State Government House, not Ganduje as a person.
However, I'm disappointed the most, by the Governor's media aide, in the person of Yakasai, whom I expected to explain the consequences of such action to the Governor; but to my surprise, the decision was spearheaded by him.
If I may ask, has he (Ganduje) ever for commend the laudable efforts despite their tireless effort in reporting his government's policies and programs that promote his office? Why ignoring all the positive reports that suit your interest and reacted negatively to the seasonal reporter for reporting the truth.
With much respect to your office and your personality I and other journalists with like minds rejected and condemned this your brutal action against our professional colleague, as such we say capital NO to your decision we will never accept that
I can recall my first visit to Kano State government house when I first met with Abbas and noticed the potentialities in him as an experienced journalist who has zeal, curiosity, appetite to the journalism profession, not employed by government but by a patriotic citizens who established a private radio station to bridge the existing gap in educating, enlightening and entertaining the general public.
Sir, can you please contact your colleagues (governors) to tell you how they manage their respective information sector in their various states.
I believe that, some governors are still managing some of their aides who were clearly tagged as saboteurs, however the governors are still managing them not even a reporter who is not their aide
Your excellency please reverse your decision as JOURNALISTS MUST NOT BE INTIMIDATED" we most be allowed to exercise our constitutional obligations as contain in section 39 of the 1999 constitution as amended
Sir, let me remind you about Chapter IV, section 39 (1)(2) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria which states that:
_"(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference"_
_"(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions"_
Abbas Yusha'u Yusuf deserves to be encouraged and supported to continue exhibiting high level of professionalism in the discharge of his duty.
I also commend the FREEDOM RADIO for telling you that, your action is against the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria which brought you to office.
Thank you
Abdulrazak Bello Kaura
_Vice Chairman, NUJ Zamfara State Council_
07030151385
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