The Kano State Government has dismissed a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), which accused the state of violating press freedom.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya, described the report as “baseless and unfounded,” saying it lacked evidence or credibility.

“The report has no foundation or justification whatsoever,” Wayya said. 

“The Kano State Government respects the rights of journalists to express their opinions in accordance with the law and the Constitution.”

He said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf welcomes constructive criticism supported by facts but will not tolerate deliberate falsehoods aimed at tarnishing the image of the government.

“We welcome any form of criticism built on truth and evidence,” he stated, “but we will not condone fabrications designed to mislead the public or discredit the government.”

The Commissioner added that the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration remains committed to promoting democracy and protecting journalists’ rights through open communication channels and collaboration with civil society organizations.

The Wole Soyinka Centre’s report, titled “Shrinking Freedoms: 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report,” had listed Kano among the top three Nigerian states—alongside Lagos and Abuja—where incidents of press freedom violations were most reported.

However, Wayya dismissed the findings, claiming the Centre lacked representation across Nigerian states, particularly in Kano, and relied on questionable sources.

“This report was released with a hidden agenda,” he alleged. “The Centre does not even have representatives in many states, including Kano, to verify what truly happens here.”

Wayya further emphasized that Governor Yusuf’s administration has received several national and international awards for its progressive policies and media-friendly approach.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was honoured by Leadership newspaper as the ‘Governor Advancing Education in Nigeria,’” he noted. “He was also named African Governor of the Year for Good Governance by the African Leadership Magazine.”

He cited the example of the nationwide protest against bad governance in 2024, where Yusuf was the only governor in the country who peacefully received protesters and engaged them in dialogue.

“When others resisted, Governor Yusuf welcomed the protesters with understanding and empathy,” Wayya said.

The Commissioner concluded by reiterating that the Kano government operates transparently and remains committed to protecting democratic values.

“Our government is open in all its activities—and that is how we will continue to operate,” he assured.

Kano govt dismisses Wole Soyinka centre report alleging violation of press freedom