The recent arrest and harassment of our colleague, the editor of Kano Times, Mr Buhari Abba on the orders of Kano State Commissi...
The recent arrest and harassment of our colleague, the editor of Kano Times, Mr Buhari Abba on the orders of Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is a direct attack on press freedom and over use of state’s power. We are calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to immediately call his commissioner to order and put an end to this dangerous trend before it further stains his administration’s reputation.
Media and journalists play a critical role in democratic governance, ensuring accountability and acting as watchdogs who hold public officials accountable. The press is not an enemy of the state but a partner and vital pillar of democracy that ensures transparency and good governance. Yet, in Kano State, we are witnessing a disturbing pattern of intimidation, where government officials abuse their authority to silence critical voices.
The arrest and detention of our editor follows the publication of an article titled “Dear Governor Yusuf, Beware of Kano Information Commissioner Ibrahim Waiya”, which raised legitimate concerns about the conduct of the Commissioner. Rather than responding with facts or engaging in a constructive dialogue, Waiya resorted to strong-arm tactics by using the Nigerian Police to intimidate and detain a journalist. This is not just a personal attack on the editor; it is an assault on every journalist and media house committed to truth and accountability.
Governor Yusuf must recognize that such actions do not serve his administration well. Instead of protecting his government, they paint it as intolerant of dissent and hostile to free expression. This contradicts the very principles that brought him to power and the expectations of the people of Kano State, who deserve an open and transparent government.
The international community, civil society organizations, and defenders of press freedom are watching. If Governor Yusuf truly values democracy, he must act swiftly:
1. Call Commissioner Waiya to order – No government official should weaponize state institutions to settle personal grievances.
2. Ensure press freedom is respected – Journalists must be able to work without fear of arrest or intimidation.
3. Drop all charges against the detained editor – The criminalization of journalism must not be allowed to stand.
4. Reaffirm his commitment to free speech – A public statement condemning attacks on the media will go a long way in restoring confidence in his leadership.
Governor Yusuf’s silence on this matter will be interpreted as complicity. A government that cannot tolerate scrutiny is a government that has something to hide. We urge the governor to take decisive action now—before this crisis escalates.
To paraphrase former South African President Nelson Mandela, history will judge leaders not by the power they wield but by how they protect the rights of their people. It is time for Governor Yusuf to demonstrate that he stands for democracy, not dictatorship.
Kano Times Editorial Board
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