2019: Gov el-Rufai Seeks Peace With Journalists

BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – In a bid to cement the three years of cat and mouse relationship between the Kaduna State Government and journalists in the state, the Counsellor to Governor Nasir el-Rufai on Media and Communications, Alhaji Saidu Adamu has appealed to media practitioners to allow for a new working and smooth relationship.

Adamu admitted that his principal is learning and bound to make mistakes and through that can make amendment.

The move is coming three years of el-Rufai cold’s war with journalists in the state, some of whom were arrested and detained.

The Media Counselor said the government is determined to have a good and harmonious working relationship with journalists in the state.

Briefing journalists on Thursday in Kaduna, Adamu said his principal is learning and therefore bound to make mistakes and through that make amends.

Adamu further said; “That is what is happening in Kaduna State and Nigeria. It is normal to have issues among ourselves and when amendment is made, that is the only way the state will grow.

“It is very important that we collaborate with you journalists and that is why l have come to interact with you and also appeal to you that l want you to be part of us. What has happened has happened.

“I want to have a new course with you, to chart a new role, to work in collaboration with you. I want you to assist us because we need you more than you need us.

“We should chart a new way of how you will promote the activities of the state government. We will continue going round with you to see what the governor is doing.

“We know we have a lot of challenges in the state, we will not allow it until something happen before going to the press. We should try to work together.

“Malam Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai is a human being like any other person. So, he can make mistakes. I am here to appeal to you to ask you to be a little bit patience with the government and to work with you to project the activities of this government.

“I see you as important hands needed to move the state forward. Malam Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai has his left and right and so we should join hands together to move the state forward.”