A digital rights policy expert, Comrade Salisu M. Indabawa, has urged the Kano State Government to take seriously the recent report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), which listed Kano among the top states violating press freedom, instead of dismissing it.
In a statement titled “Kano Government Must Look Inward, Not Dismiss the WSCIJ Report on Press Freedom Violation,” Indabawa described the report as factual, evidence-based, and reflective of the realities confronting journalists and civic actors in the state.
He said the “Shrinking Freedoms: 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report” released by WSCIJ was built on verified data and case analyses that highlighted arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and harassment of journalists — trends he described as worrisome and contrary to democratic values.
“The report should not be dismissed or politicised. It should serve as a wake-up call for government to address the systemic challenges threatening freedom of expression and access to information,” Indabawa said.
He added that “evidence abounds to support the findings. In recent times, several journalists and civic actors in Kano have faced arbitrary arrests and harassment simply for doing their jobs — speaking truth to power and demanding accountability.”
The digital rights advocate blamed the situation on the actions of overzealous government agents, whom he said displayed growing intolerance for dissent and disregard for press independence.
He reminded the government that freedom of expression and access to information are constitutional rights, not privileges granted by the state.
“Freedom of expression and the right to information are constitutional guarantees under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution. Any attempt to undermine these rights weakens democracy and erodes public trust,” he stated.
Indabawa urged the state government to respond to the WSCIJ report with reform, not repression.
“A government that values its reputation should respond with reform. The WSCIJ report offers Kano an opportunity to rebuild trust by strengthening transparency, engaging civil society, and ensuring that security agencies operate within the law,” he said.
He warned that history would judge the administration based on how it handles issues of press freedom and civic space.
“As history has shown, ratings fade but records remain. The narratives we shape today will define how posterity remembers this administration — whether as one that silenced truth or one that upheld integrity,” Indabawa said.
He, however, expressed optimism that the state could redeem its image by adopting corrective measures and reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and civic rights.
“Kano can still rise above denial. By taking remedial steps and committing to press freedom, the state can restore public confidence and align with democratic values that serve all citizens,” he added.
The WSCIJ, in its 2024 “Shrinking Freedoms” report released on Tuesday, listed Kano, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory among areas with the highest cases of media and civic rights violations.
The Centre said the assessment covered incidents recorded between January and December 2024, tracking violations against journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
It noted that 103 incidents were reported 342 times across 102 news stories and one feature published or aired by 28 media organisations.
However, the Kano State Government dismissed the report as baseless, saying it lacked factual backing.
“The report has no foundation or justification. The Kano State Government respects the rights of journalists to express their opinions within the bounds of the law and the Constitution,” the government said in a statement.