By our correspondent
In an effort to balance an investigative report, inquiries made to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Mal. Muhammed Lawal Shehu has resulted in intimidation and threats against the journalist with the intention to gag him
The spokesman of the Governor sent an intimidating and threat message to the journalist when contacted for reaction over allegation of amnesty granted to prison inmates in Kaduna command of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS).
Recalled that the state government under Governor Sani granted amnesty to some prison inmates in Kaduna command around October/November 2023, with all the beneficiaries, estimated at about 25 been Muslims, which necessitated the investigation.
But when contacted, the Chief Press Secretary who did not pick his calls later replied text messages, warning and threatening legal action against our reporter who was investigating the story.
His threats: “Mr idibia let me warn you that you desist from trying to blackmail the Uba Sani’s administration. We will not succumb to blackmail and don’t blame me if we take legal action against you. Have a nice day”, he replied on WhatsApp.
Earlier, our correspondent, in a written text messages sought to clarify from the Governor’s spokesman, the controversy inside Kaduna prison over amnesty program, when he failed to pick his calls.
Our reporter’s text messages read in parts: “There are controversies in Kaduna prison Inmates amnesty program of 2023. Here are some of my findings for your information sir:
There are issues you may wish to intervene or clarify pls. CPS Sir. Is it true that the names below are the only category of Kaduna prison inmates that were granted or given amnesty under Governor Uba Sani led amnesty program before 2023 Christmas, out of all the list of names enlisted?
They’re:
1. Ibrahim Mustapha jailed for impersonating a Medical Doctor in Yola that has caused the deaths of many.
2. Ibrahim Umar an INEC official from Adamawa State accused of taking over N300m from Dizziani the former & wanted Petroleum Minister.
3. Shagari who was the General Imam for the inmates in Prison.
But I learnt the Governor was not pleased upon learning that it is only one faith, that benefitted, is this true?
The Governor is doing well on peace efforts and we’re doing everything humanly possible to support him to achieve maximum peace in Kaduna. Pls if there are others granted amnesty I’ve forgotten, remind me pls.
I need this clarification in record time pls. My office is in serious need of this information. Try and say something for fairness and balancing sir. What happens to the list submitted from the other faith according to what we heard if any? Kindly clarify too pls. We already have all the facts sir but need to clarify with you. Once more thanks, yours friend journalist Idibia, sir. Thanks”, The message semt to him for response
Recent conversation and calls to him has also confirmed that Lawal has instigated some of his subordinate against a particular journalist and also urged them not to pick calls from him. j
A call put to an assistance media aide (name withheld) yesterday for clarification was received by a lady, who responded that “This is a wrong number, I’m not a media aide of the Governor”.
However, the same media aide later called through Lawal’s number challenging our reporter for always calling all the media crew for clarifications all the time.
