The Socio – Economic Rights And Accountability Project has reacted to the sacking of a media aid to kano sate governor for criticizing president Muhammadu Buhari governments for failing to protect lives and properties of Nigerians .
Kano State authorities are making a mockery of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights obligations by sacking journalist Salihu Tanko Yakasai simply for allegedly criticising the government of President Buhari. Peaceful dissent is not a crime.
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) February 27, 2021
Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has fired Salihu Tanko Yakasai as his media adviser after criticizing the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
On Friday, Salihu called on the APC government under President Buhari to “end the security crisis in the North or resign”.
A statement from Information Commissioner Mohammed Garba said the governor had taken the action because of his “indecent remarks”.
“He (Salihu) failed to distinguish between his own views and the views of the government on public issues, so he will not be allowed to continue working with a government that he does not support.” The statement quoted Mohammed Garba as saying.
He added that the dismissal took effect immediately.
This is the second time Ganduje has taken the step of firing on his special assistant. He was suspended last year after criticizing Buhari for refusing to address the nation.
Mr Yakasai was arrested by the Department of State Services on Friday on his way to a barbing Salon.
An official of the state government had on Saturday tweeted, “Alhamdulillah we just confirmed @dawisu is at DSS office.”
The media aide to Governor Ganduje had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the activities of bandits in the country or resign.
