The uncertainty around the lives of journalists and government critics under this government justifies Jaafar’s decision.
by Gimba Kakanda
May 03, 2021
Without him, we wouldn’t have unmasked the dollar-hoarding mobile vault occupying the seat of power in Kano state. But Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, whose corruption was caught on tape in a sting operation by Jaafar-owned Daily Nigerian newspaper, isn’t the man to play by the book. He’s demonstrably ruthless and, with the resources at his disposal, it’s instinctive for his perceived enemies to take precaution. But Jaafar’s flight for safety about two weeks ago isn’t an inhibition of startle reflex; it’s a conscious and necessary escape from a declared danger.
He spoke shortly after reports that a publisher, Ja’afar Ja’afar, has gone into hiding following alleged threats he received as a result of the videos he published allegedly showing the governor receiving kick-backs from a contractor.
In a statement issued by the commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, the governor charged journalists to be resolute towards upholding accuracy, objectivity and professional ethics in their line of duty.
He said at a critical period when Nigeria is facing myriads of challenges, the media should always be mindful of the laws guiding the conduct of their constituted responsibilities in their reportage.
World Press Freedom Day: Supporting Journalism for Public Good, By Moshood Isah
“Information is a public good, and as a public good, it needs public support.”
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…it is pertinent, especially for authorities, to recognise and promote the idea of information as a public good… As we mark World Press Freedom Day 2021, we celebrate journalists who provide information that serves the public good. The entire nation must continue to strive to promote press freedom for the good of society.
In the word of Joseph E. Stiglitz, “Information is a public good, and as a public good, it needs public support.” The very least that the Nigerian media deserves is the support of all stakeholders to enable it to continue to play its role of the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” and, of course, the fourth arm of government that consistently checkmates the other arms of government.
Journalist Jaafar Jaafar Goes into Hiding Over worsening Security Threats naija247news.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from naija247news.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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“Ja’afar’s life is in danger as unidentified persons, likely to be ‘hit men’, have been stalking him both at his Abuja and Kano residences,” a close media associate of the publisher, who prefers anonymity, told PRNigeria.
Jaafar had published video clips of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano in October 2018, allegedly showing him collecting kickbacks in dollars from a contractor.
Following the governor’s recent interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, March 19, where he said that they were making plans to deal with those who released the videos, Jaafar wrote a petition to the former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu on the renewed threats to his life.