Gov. Al-Makura Bans Journalists From Covering State Activities

Al-Makura

Two journalists have been banned by the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura from covering state activities, reports say.

Umar Mohammed, a correspondent from the Punch and Rabiu Omaku, from an online news platform, Universal Reporters were asked on Tuesday, November 23, 2016 to stop reporting activities of the state government.

According to reports, the governor was not comfortable with the way the two journalists reported the alleged killing of some labour leaders by policemen during a protest in the state.

The recent ban on the two journalists, allegedly brings to five, the number of reporters who have been black-listed by the Nasarawa state government.

The Chairman of the Correspondent’s Chapel in the state, Mr. Suleiman Abubakar, announced to journalists that Muhammed and Omaku have been banned by the Nasarawa state government.

Abubakar said “The Special Adviser to Governor Al-Makura has stated that the two of you (Muhammed and Omaku) have been banned for life from  covering government house and government activities in the state. He said he was acting on the directive of his boss, Umaru Al-Makura.”

Other journalists who have been reportedly banned from covering the activities of the Nasarawa state government are: Mary Amirikpa of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service; Iliya Audu of the Nigerian Newsday; and Sofia Ogaze of TVC.