The Kano state Government has called on the media practitioners within the established professional standards and protocols so as to safeguard the noble profession.
Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya made the assertion while addressing Journalists.
He said the call is imperative concerning the recent developments in the media on allegation against some Government officials, explaining that the matter is currently before the court, and being investigated by the anti – graft agencies.
He expressed concern over the manner in which some sections of the media are handling the news item, describing it as worrisome since it falls short of established media and journalism standards.
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He added that worthy of note is the reckless and continuous manipulation of the innocent citizens recycling the same story through different patters and faces
According to him, “since the story started to trend especially on the digital platforms, it was clear for every discerning mind to observe that there is a carefully orchestrated plan by some desperate, faceless, and unpatriotic elements who are hell-bent on discrediting the Abba Kabir Yusuf led administration by maliciously painting it in the bad light.
“The promoters of such negative stories and their paymasters have shamelessly continued to recycle the same story in different forms in order to deceive the public into believing that the NNPP led government harbour corrupt officials which is suggestive of a government that condones corruption. In indeed, this narrative is contrary to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s public declaration of zero tolerance for corruption. Examples abound of the government’s fight against corruption through institutional reforms as well as decisive actions on some corruption related cases, which I will highlight in the course of this media briefing.”
The Commissioner stressed that the media and journalists must uphold and promote the principles of objectivity, fairness, accuracy, and balanced reportage. “It is reprehensible for journalists to engage in recycling one story with the sole aim of sustaining an onslaught on a government that is committed to serving the citizens diligently, transparently through judicious utilization of public funds as we are witnessing today in Kano. Clearly, the news item that is making a round about the former Accountant General of the state and now Commissioner of Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam over alleged return of 1.17 billion Naira was part of the earlier narration in the initial story of the ICPC and EFCC investigations, which is now a subject of litigation. Therefore, presenting the former AG’s side of the story as fresh is clearly malicious and a desperate attempt at discrediting Abba Kabir Yusuf’s government, thereby diverting public attention from its outstanding achievements.”
