The partners of the Enhancing Digital Rights in Nigeria (e-RIGHTS) Project have condemned the arrest and harassment of the Editor of Kano Times, Mr Buhari Abba.
Abba was allegedly arrested for publishing an article that was critical of a Kano State government official.
The partners are Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) France, (Lawyers Without Borders France), the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), and Spaces for Change (S4C)
Rather than addressing the concerns raised in the piece through legal and democratic means, the Commissioner allegedly resorted to coercion and abuse of power, setting a dangerous precedent that undermines constitutional guarantees of press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
According to the groups, this blatant misuse of state power to suppress journalists in the line of duty is a direct threat to press freedom, as well as freedom of expression and information in Nigeria.
They declared that a free and independent press is the cornerstone of every democracy, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the right of citizens to access information.
“Journalists should not be subjected to intimidation or state-sanctioned reprisals for fulfilling their professional duty.
“Sadly, the events unfolding in Kano State reflect a troubling pattern of using law enforcement agencies to silence dissenting or critical voices rather than engaging in constructive dialogue.
“We urge the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf to demonstrate leadership by taking immediate steps to uphold democratic values and ensure that no government official deploys state institutions to harass or intimidate the press.
“Specifically, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Buhari Abba, an end to the intimidation and harassment of journalists in Kano State, and accountability for those responsible for this retrogressive and abusive action,” they declared.
Speaking to the media, the Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) France, Mrs Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said: “History has shown that societies thrive when the press is free and the voices of the people are heard, not silenced.
“The continued repression of journalists and the press in Kano State and across Nigeria is unacceptable.
“It raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic governance. We must do everything possible to uphold the highest standards of press freedom in Nigeria.”
Similarly, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Dr Y.Z Ya’u said: “Governor Yusuf must uphold democracy and protect press freedom.
“We urge him to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further damage to the democratic values he was elected to uphold.”
The Enhancing Digital Rights in Nigeria (e-RIGHTS) project is aimed at enhancing digital rights in Nigeria and is being implemented by Avocats Sans Frontières France in partnership with CITAD and S4C with support from the European Union and UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund.