Fresh controversy has engulfed the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) following allegations that its leadership directed a journalist be prevented from covering official activities at the Kano State Government House over claims that he regularly publishes reports critical of the government.
Sources within the Chapel alleged that the Chairman, Murtala Adewale, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, instructed members of the executive committee not to invite the journalist to any Government House event.
According to the sources, the Chairman reportedly argued that the journalist’s reports were often perceived as being sympathetic to opposition views and that some government officials might be uncomfortable with his presence at official functions.
The development has reportedly exposed deeper divisions within the union. A member of the Chapel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the organization had gradually abandoned its traditional role of maintaining professional neutrality by allegedly aligning itself too closely with the state government.
“Because of this perception, opposition political actors no longer engage with us as they used to. Many members now spend their time waiting for government assignments because confidence in the Chapel has diminished among other stakeholders,” the source alleged.
The member further claimed that disagreements arising from the last Chapel election have continued to fuel divisions among members. According to him, many had believed those differences had been resolved until the latest controversy emerged.
He also alleged that some journalists have faced restrictions regarding stories considered unfavourable to the government. “There are times when important stories emerge, but some members feel discouraged from reporting them because of fears of offending government officials. This raises concerns about professional independence,” he said.
Another member, who also requested anonymity, linked the current tensions to the Chapel’s leadership election held about a year ago. He alleged that the election was influenced by political interests and that rival camps were formed along perceived political loyalties.
According to the source, some members allegedly enlisted the support of figures within the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to oppose an aspirant believed to have sympathies with former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
The source expressed concern that journalists were allowing political differences to weaken the unity of the union, noting that recent political realignments have rendered many past divisions unnecessary.
“We must unite or risk destroying the union completely. Politicians often change alliances based on their interests, but journalists should remain committed to professionalism and solidarity. This should serve as a lesson to all of us,” the source stated.
Also another member of the Correspondence Chapel added that the leader, Adewale only works with those on his favorite list even for important assignments living others battling on how to get such important information for publication on their National Dailies.
However, Blazon News Nigeria contacted the Chapel Chairman, Murtala Adewale via WhatsApp Chat with questions about the allegations but surprisingly rather than providing answers, he needed up forwarding the enquiry to other groups such as the Police Whatsapp groups and others.
Below are some screenshots.
In the interest of fairness and balanced story, another reminder was sent to the said Chairman, Murtala Adewale, but was also ignored after reading the message on Whatsapp this morning before filing this report.