By Ibrahim Muhammad
A digital rights advocate, Comrade Salisu M. Indabawa, has called on the Kano State Government to take seriously the recent report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), which ranked Kano among the top states violating press freedom.
In a statement titled “Kano Government Must Look Inward, Not Dismiss the WSCIJ Report on Press Freedom Violation,” Indabawa said the findings were factual, evidence-based, and reflected the real experiences of journalists and civic actors in the state.
He noted that the 2024 “Shrinking Freedoms: Journalism and Civic Space Status Report” by WSCIJ was grounded on verified data and documented cases of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and harassment of media professionals — all of which, he said, undermine democratic values.
“The report should not be dismissed or politicised. It is a wake-up call for government to address systemic challenges that threaten freedom of expression and access to information,” Indabawa stated.
The digital rights expert cited recent incidents of harassment of journalists and civic actors in Kano, blaming the trend on overzealous government agents who, according to him, have shown increasing intolerance for dissent and disregard for media independence.
He reminded the state government that freedom of expression and access to information are constitutional rights guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution. “Any attempt to undermine these rights weakens democracy and erodes public trust,” he warned.
Indabawa urged the state to respond to the report with reforms rather than denial, adding that it presented an opportunity for Kano to rebuild trust and improve transparency. “A government that values its reputation should embrace reform, not repression,” he said. “The WSCIJ report offers a chance to strengthen accountability and ensure security agencies act within the law.”
He further warned that history would judge the current administration based on how it handles issues of press freedom and civic engagement. “Ratings fade but records remain. This administration will be remembered either for upholding integrity or silencing truth,” he added.
Despite the concerns, Indabawa expressed optimism that Kano could still redeem its image by adopting corrective measures and reaffirming its commitment to media freedom.
“Kano can still rise above denial. By taking remedial steps and respecting press rights, the state can restore public confidence and align with democratic values,” he concluded.
The WSCIJ’s 2024 report, released on Tuesday, listed Kano, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory among areas with the highest number of violations against journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. It documented 103 incidents reported 342 times across 102 news stories from 28 media outlets.
However, the Kano State Government dismissed the report as baseless, insisting it lacked factual backing. “The report has no foundation or justification. The Kano State Government respects journalists’ rights to operate within the bounds of the law and the Constitution,” it said in a statement.
