By Nworisa Michael
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has clarified that the Kano League of Veteran Journalists (KALVEJ) operates as an independent professional body and is not an extension of the State Ministry of Information.
Waiya made the clarification during the ratification and adoption of the League’s Charter, which has now become its official Constitution. He explained that although the Ministry maintains a working relationship with the League, such engagement is strictly professional and does not compromise its autonomy.
According to the Commissioner, preserving the independence of professional bodies is essential for their effective operation and alignment with global best practices. He noted that the Ministry maintains similar professional relationships with organisations such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
The Constitution was ratified at a session held at the Tahir Guest Palace in Kano, attended by members of the League drawn from different segments of the journalism profession, including academics.
During the session, members engaged in detailed deliberations on the draft document, raising observations on several areas. Key concerns included the absence of clear provisions on members’ welfare, gender representation and sustainable funding mechanisms for the League.
Following extensive discussions, members resolved that all issues and recommendations raised be forwarded to the Constitution Drafting Committee and the Secretariat for further review and necessary amendments.
At the end of the session, a motion was unanimously adopted mandating the Constitution Drafting Committee to continue managing the affairs of the League for a period of one year, pending the conduct of elections for substantive executives.
Speaking after the resolution, the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in the committee. He assured that all concerns raised, particularly those relating to members’ welfare, would be adequately addressed in the revised Constitution.