Journalism suffered under Waiya, veteran tells Kano governor

By Sani Magaji Garko

A veteran journalist, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta, has criticised the handling of the Kano State Ministry of Information under former Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, claiming that the journalism profession suffered during his tenure.

Danbatta made the remarks in a statement issued to the press while commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for reassigning Waiya from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youth in the recent cabinet reshuffle.

He argued that Waiya’s approach to managing the ministry reflected civil society activism and advocacy rather than the professional standards expected of journalism, adding that his activities did little to strengthen the profession or improve the reputation of the media industry in Kano State.

“As someone who has spent over 30 years in the field of journalism, I commend Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his decision to remove the former Commissioner for Information. His approach was not that of a journalist; rather, he operated like an activist—an approach that was essentially a distortion of the profession, as it conflicted with the established ethics and standards of journalism,” Danbatta said.

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He further alleged that Waiya’s activities created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations monitoring media freedom, professional standards and journalists’ rights.

“His actions created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations that monitor the media industry and the rights of journalists; it is truly regrettable,” he added.

Danbatta urged Governor Yusuf to appoint an experienced media professional with a strong journalism background and a good working relationship with practitioners to head the Information Ministry.

He said the next commissioner should prioritise media development, uphold professional ethics and work towards improving the standing of journalism in the state.

The veteran journalist also pledged to provide professional advice and support to the government towards achieving these objectives.

Danbatta has worked with several media organisations in Nigeria and abroad, including the Hausa Service of Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany, the Hausa section of Daily Trust, Rariya newspaper, Hamada Radio and Kiss FM in Abuja. He also served in a managerial capacity at Radio Nigeria.