News
CSOs condemn Wike’s remarks against journalist, demand apology
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A coalition of press freedom and civil society organisations has condemned comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what it described as violent rhetoric directed at a journalist.
KANO FOCUS reports that the groups, in a joint statement issued on Saturday, criticised Wike’s remark during a live media chat on Channels Television on Friday, where he said, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” in reference to Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of the Politics Today programme.
Although the minister later clarified that he did not intend to physically harm the journalist, the organisations said such statements—even if hypothetical—constitute a form of intimidation and should not be dismissed as harmless.
The coalition warned that violent or threatening rhetoric against journalists contributes to a climate of fear and undermines press freedom, stressing the critical role of the media in holding public officials accountable.
“Threats or violent language, whether explicit or implied, not only endanger journalists but also weaken public trust in democratic discourse,” the statement said.
The organisations also noted that Nigeria’s ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on global press freedom indices reflects ongoing challenges faced by journalists, including harassment, surveillance, and arbitrary arrests.
They called on Wike to retract the statement, apologise to Okinbaloye and the wider media community, and reaffirm his commitment to upholding press freedom.
The coalition further urged public officials to demonstrate restraint and respect in their engagements with the media, even in the face of criticism.
Citing Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, the groups emphasised the media’s role in ensuring accountability and the right of citizens to receive and share information freely.
Signatories to the statement include International Press Institute Nigeria, International Press Centre, Media Rights Agenda, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, YIAGA Africa, International Centre for Investigative Reporting, and other civil society groups.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists across the country.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
