Your Excellency, I write this open letter with deep respect and a sincere desire to draw your attention to an issue that is affe...
I write this open letter with deep respect and a sincere desire to draw your attention to an issue that is affecting many journalists in Kaduna State.
Sir ,From your days before becoming the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, you earned a reputation as a media-friendly leader. You have always treated journalists with respect, regardless of whether they work for international, national, or local media organisations. Your openness to the press distinguished you from many public office holders. Since assuming office you have continued to demonstrate your commitment to press freedom by visiting the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Council, granting interviews, and engaging journalists through media parley sessions. Your decision to revive and strengthen the Ministry of Information is further evidence that you appreciate the vital role of the media in promoting good governance and keeping citizens informed.
These actions gave many of us hope that your administration would build a stronger relationship with all journalists in Kaduna State. Unfortunately, the reality on the ground has been different for many media practitioners.
Your Excellency, a growing number of journalists feel excluded from official government 6 Invitations to cover major assignments, official functions, and state events are often extended to only a small group of journalists, while many qualified and hardworking professionals are repeatedly left out.
This unhealthy development has created division within the media community and has discouraged many dedicated journalists who have served the profession faithfully for years. Before now, opportunities to cover government activities were more inclusive, ensuring that no journalist felt deliberately sidelined.
Many journalists believe that access to government information has been restricted by a few individuals who allegedly favour only their friends and associates. If this perception continues, it risks undermining the inclusive and media-friendly imageuu that your administration has built.
Your Excellency, I respectfully believe that this situation does not reflect your personal values or your commitment to fairness. Rather, it appears that some individuals entrusted with managing government-media relations may not be implementing your vision of inclusiveness and equal opportunity.
A democratic government thrives when every responsible journalist has a fair opportunity to report government activities. Diversity of media coverage promotes transparency, accountability, and public confidence.
I therefore humbly appeal to you to:
Direct the officials responsible for media coordination to adopt an open, transparent, and inclusive system for selecting journalists to cover government activities and
Ensure that no journalist is discriminated against because of personal relationships, media affiliation, or perceived differences.
Strengthen engagement between you're administration and the leadership of the NUJ to ensure fairness and equal access to information.
Encourage professionalism, unity, and mutual respect among all journalists in Kaduna State.
Establish a fair mechanism through which aggrieved journalists can raise concerns without fear of victimisation.
Your Excellency, this letter is not intended to criticise your administration but to draw your attention to an issue that deserves urgent intervention. We remain confident that, under your leadership, justice, fairness, and equal opportunity will prevail.
The media remains a strategic partner in democratic governance and sustainable development. We therefore hope that your administration will continue to uphold theu principles of openness, inclusiveness, and press freedom for which you have long been known.
May Almighty Allah continue to grant you wisdom, strength, and good health as you lead Kaduna State.
Bissalam
Mustapha Saye
Journalist, Kaduna State
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