Your Excellency,
I write this open letter with profound respect and a sincere desire to draw your attention to an issue that has become a source of concern for many journalists in Kaduna State.
Long before you assumed office as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, you earned a reputation as a media-friendly leader. You consistently treated journalists with respect, regardless of whether they represented international, national or local media organisations.
Your accessibility and openness to the press distinguished you from many public office holders.
Since assuming office, you have continued to demonstrate your commitment to press freedom by engaging with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), granting media interviews, and holding regular media parley sessions. Your decision to revitalise and strengthen the Ministry of Information further underscores your recognition of the indispensable role of the media in promoting good governance, accountability and an informed citizenry.
These commendable efforts gave many journalists hope that your administration would foster a stronger and more inclusive relationship with the media. Regrettably, however, the experience of many media practitioners has been quite different.
Your Excellency, a growing number of journalists feel increasingly excluded from official government activities. Invitations to cover major state assignments, official functions and government events are frequently extended to only a select group of journalists, while many qualified, experienced and hardworking professionals are repeatedly overlooked.
This unfortunate trend has created divisions within the media community and has discouraged many dedicated journalists who have served the profession with diligence and integrity over the years. In previous administrations, opportunities to cover government activities were generally more inclusive, ensuring that no journalist felt deliberately sidelined.
There is also a growing perception among journalists that access to government information is being controlled by a few individuals who allegedly favour friends and associates over professionalism and fairness. If left unaddressed, this perception could undermine the inclusive and media-friendly image your administration has worked hard to build.
Your Excellency, I respectfully believe that this situation does not reflect your personal values or your commitment to justice and fairness. Rather, it appears that some officials entrusted with managing government-media relations may not be implementing your vision of inclusiveness and equal opportunity.
A democratic government flourishes when every responsible journalist is given a fair opportunity to report on government activities. Diversity in media coverage strengthens transparency, promotes accountability and enhances public confidence in governance.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, I humbly appeal to Your Excellency to:
Direct the officials responsible for media coordination to adopt an open, transparent and inclusive system for selecting journalists to cover government activities.
Ensure that no journalist is discriminated against on the basis of personal relationships, media affiliation or perceived differences.
Strengthen engagement between your administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to promote fairness and equal access to information. Encourage professionalism, unity and mutual respect among all journalists in Kaduna State.
Establish a credible and impartial mechanism through which aggrieved journalists can raise legitimate concerns without fear of intimidation or victimisation.
Your Excellency, this letter is not intended as a criticism of your administration. Rather, it is a sincere appeal to draw your attention to an issue that deserves urgent intervention. I remain confident that under your leadership, the principles of justice, fairness and equal opportunity will continue to prevail.
The media remains an indispensable partner in democratic governance and sustainable development. It is my hope that your administration will continue to uphold the ideals of openness, inclusiveness and press freedom for which you have long been recognised.
May Almighty Allah continue to grant you wisdom, strength and good health as you steer the affairs of Kaduna State.
Bissalam.
Mustapha Saye
Journalist, Kaduna State
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