Kano Government Rejects Wole Soyinka Centre Report on Press Freedom Violations

The Kano State Government has strongly rejected a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) that ranked the state among the top three violators of press freedom in Nigeria, describing the claim as “misleading, unfounded, and malicious.”

Reacting to the WSCIJ’s “Shrinking Freedoms: 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report”, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, dismissed the findings as “a mere expression and figment of imagination of some armchair analysts masquerading under the Wole Soyinka Centre.”

According to Waiya, the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has maintained one of the most open and media-friendly environments in the country.

“The report does not in any way reflect the true status of media freedom and civic engagement in Kano State. Governor Yusuf’s administration has consistently demonstrated a firm commitment to promoting press freedom, professional development, and inclusive civic participation,” he said.

The commissioner highlighted several recognitions conferred on the governor by reputable national and international organisations, including awards from Vanguard, Blueprint, Leadership, ThisNigeria, Independent, and New Telegraph Newspapers, all of which honoured Yusuf as one of Nigeria’s most media-friendly governors.

Waiya also recalled that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) honoured Governor Yusuf at its 70th anniversary in June 2025 as the “Most Media-Friendly Governor in Nigeria,” describing it as a testament to his open-door policy and respect for press freedom.

He further noted that Kano State is replicating the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act at the state level to enhance access to information and strengthen transparency.

In his words:

“Kano State is working to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act as part of our commitment to accountability and transparency. The governor has always welcomed media scrutiny as a tool for good governance.”

The commissioner also cited examples of civic engagement, including the First Civil Society Organizations Conference hosted by the state, and a peaceful “Bad Governance” protest that Governor Yusuf personally received at the Government House — acts he said demonstrated tolerance and respect for free expression.

“Kano remains a model of open governance, transparency, and mutual respect between government and the media. To classify the state as an enemy of press freedom is not only false but mischievous,” Waiya added.

He urged the Wole Soyinka Centre and similar organisations to verify their claims and conduct field assessments before publishing reports that could misrepresent the state’s record on media freedom.

“Kano will continue to uphold free expression, responsible journalism, and open dialogue as pillars of democracy and good governance,” the statement concluded.

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