CSOs call for restraint over alleged defamation case against a Kano journalist
The Kano League of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has tasked the police and the judiciary to exercise restraint over the alleged criminal defamation against the publisher of the Daily Nigerian, Mr Jaafar Jaafar by the State Government.
The Convener of the league, Mr Bala Gaduwama of Wuro Development Concerns(WDC) stated this in a statement on behalf of 21 CSOs in Kano on Monday.
Gaduwama observed with concern the invitation extended by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One, to Jaafar, following the directives of the Chief Magistrate Court No.15, Nomansland, Kano.
He said that the invitation was in connection with a complaint of alleged criminal defamation filed by the Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor, Mr Abdullahi Rogo.
“It is pertinent to recall that the issue stems from publications by Mr. Jaafar Jaafar of DAILY NIGERIAN, which exposed the alleged diversion of N6.5 billion from the office of the DG Directorate of Protocol, a matter which is already under the investigation of federal anti-graft agencies, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
“While we recognize the constitutional duty of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate complaints brought before it, we are compelled to stress that such investigations must be conducted within the boundaries of fairness, justice, and due process.
“The police should not, under any guise, be used as instruments of political suppression or intimidation against journalists whose constitutional role is to expose corruption and hold leaders accountable.
“Journalists are not only the watchdogs of society but also the voices of the voiceless and defenders of truth. As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the press has a sacred mandate enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every citizen, including journalists, the right to freedom of expression, including the right to own, establish, and operate media platforms,” Gaduwama said.
He added: “Furthermore, Section 22 of the same Constitution expressly mandates the press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media to ensure that the government remains accountable to the people.
“Therefore, any attempt to muzzle the press through intimidation, harassment, or criminal charges undermines these constitutional guarantees. Such actions also cast doubt on the sincerity of governance and weaken the credibility of our democratic institutions.
“The League of CSOs in Kano State is equally concerned about the increasing trend of deploying state institutions to settle political scores across the country. This not only erodes public trust in governance but also emboldens corruption, as those in positions of authority may feel immune from accountability.
“We therefore strongly urge the Nigeria Police Force, particularly Zone One Headquarters in Kano, to approach this matter with utmost caution and impartiality. The police must resist political pressure and confine themselves strictly to their professional mandate.”
“The League also called on the judiciary to exercise restraint in granting orders or directives that could be exploited to silence critical voices, saying as citadels of justice, courts must prioritize the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, which are indispensable to sustaining democracy and the rule of law.
“Finally, we reaffirm our solidarity with the media community in Nigeria, particularly investigative journalists, who continue to expose corruption despite intimidation and threats. The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, and journalists should be commended, not persecuted, for their contributions”.
