Following alleged intimidation and harassment on its members, the Correspondents Chapel of the Kano State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, has decided to boycott all activities of the Kano State Government.
The Chapel took the decision after an emergency Congress Meeting at the NUJ State Press Center in Kano on Monday.
The Chairman of the Chapel, Mr Aminu Garko, explained that the decision was taken in response to the persistent and unacceptable harassment and intimidation of journalists in the state by the government and its agents.
“Despite our efforts to engage with the government and its agents to address these issues, we have seen no improvement in the situation.
“Members of the Chapel continue to face harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault while performing their duties.
“It is particularly concerning that the government has prioritized non-professionals over trained journalists, making it a state policy to sideline those who are best equipped to handle the job.
“As a result, we regret to announce that we will no longer participate in press conferences, cover government events, or conduct interviews with state officials until we see a tangible commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists.
“All members are to comply with this directive and join us in this protest against the ill treatment of members in Kano State,” Garko said.
Stressing that a free and independent press is essential to a functioning democracy, he noted that the Chapel would not tolerate the harassment and intimidation of its members.
Kano Correspondents Chapel announces boycott of govt activities