June 11, (THEWILL) – Kano State Government and the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), met on Tuesday, to discuss the ongoing impasse between the two parties.
A statement signed by the chapel’s Chairman, Aminu Garko, said the meeting was held at the NUJ press centre, Kano, and was attended by top government officials and members of the chapel’s executives.
The government delegation, Garko said, was led by the state Commissioner for Information, Halilu Dantiye, who expressed the government’s commitment to resolving the issues that led to the impasse.
Dantiye said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration acknowledged the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society and assured the journalists of its willingness to address their concerns.
He said he would listen to the grievances of members of the chapel for onward reports and recommendations to the governor.
According to him, the governor had expressed concern over the development and directed him to immediately meet with the members of the chapel for an amicable resolution of the matter.
“I want to first of all convey the goodwill of the governor, who also expressed readiness for an amicable resolution of the matter. As a member of the State Executive Council and a Commissioner for Information, I have a stake in meeting you on behalf of the government.
“After the deliberation, I assure you that I will write a comprehensive report and recommendations to the governor.
“This will culminate into a bigger meeting, hopefully with His Excellency, to hear directly from you and take a stance.
“I am very happy about how you received me. The meeting was indeed fruitful and by God’s grace, we would reach the promised land,”
The Correspondent Chapel leadership, led by its Chairman, Aminu Ahmad Garko, appreciated the government’s gesture and reiterated their commitment to professional and factual reporting.
Garko expressed happiness over the state government’s willingness to address the concerns of the members of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
He said that the crucial meeting held on Tuesday evening is expected to pave the way for another round of meetings in the next couple of days in a steady march to resolve the issues at stake.
“We are still on our stand not to participate in all government affairs be it from the State executive, legislative and Judiciary as well as Emir and the 44 Local Government Areas of the state”, the statement added.
About the Author
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
