The Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has sanctioned its Secretary, Abubakar Shehu Kwaru, over allegations of administrative misconduct and financial misappropriation, while reaffirming the importance of ethical journalism, peacebuilding, and public accountability.
The resolution was reached during the Third Congress Meeting of the Council held on Monday at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, with journalists from various media chapels across the state in attendance.
Speaking at the opening of the Congress, the Council Chairman, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, commended members for their dedication to strengthening unity, professionalism, and discipline within the union.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, Council Chairman, and Hauwa Suleiman Zahradeen, Acting Secretary, stated that the Congress adopted both the Secretariat and financial reports presented during the session.
The communiqué was issued on behalf of the Communiqué Drafting Committee chaired by Comrade Isiyaku Ahmed, with Comrade Adamu Dabo serving as Secretary and Maryam Muhammed Yakasai as a member.
One of the major decisions taken during the Congress was the unanimous adoption of the report of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which found the Council Secretary culpable of administrative infractions and financial mismanagement.
The Congress also emphasized the need for responsible journalism, particularly in periods of insecurity, urging media practitioners to balance courage with professionalism, accuracy, and empathy.
Members were advised to avoid sensational reporting capable of escalating tensions, while continuing to perform their watchdog role by informing the public and holding leaders accountable through responsible investigative journalism.
Journalists were also encouraged to prioritize personal safety and maintain strict adherence to professional ethics in line with global best practices, especially when reporting sensitive issues.
As part of efforts to improve professionalism and operational efficiency, the Congress approved the introduction of official identification cards for all members and affiliated chapels.
According to the Council, the initiative is expected to improve journalists’ credibility, facilitate access to assignments, and strengthen coordination, especially in high-risk reporting environments.
To keep up with the changing media environment, the Congress called for continuous investment in training and retraining of journalists.
It urged the Council to organize regular capacity-building programmes focusing on digital journalism, fact-checking, conflict-sensitive reporting, and media ethics.
Beyond journalism practice, the Congress expressed concern over the growing menace of drug and substance abuse in Kano State, calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and security agencies to address the challenge.
It stressed that the media has a major role to play in driving public awareness, education, and behavioural change against drug abuse.
The Congress also highlighted the need for agricultural preparedness ahead of the rainy season, urging relevant authorities to ensure early training of farmers and equitable distribution of improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and irrigation support.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the profession, the Congress commended the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for their continued support to journalists and media practice in the state.
The Congress also paid tribute to late media veterans, including B.K. Gabari, Hajiya Lami Hafsat Machiddo, Hassana Safiyanu Gimel, Maryam Abdulhameed Magani, and Arabiyu Garba, offering prayers in honour of their service and contributions to journalism.
Similarly, recently retired journalists, including Acting Permanent Secretary Usman Bello and Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, were applauded for their years of dedication and service, with members wishing them success in their future endeavours.
As the rainy season approaches, residents across Kano State were also urged to participate actively in community efforts to clear drainage channels and waterways to reduce the risk of flooding across the state.
