A dispute between a Kano State government aide and a journalist following an incident at the Race Course in Kano has escalated, with the journalist indicating that court action may be pursued if no official response or apology is forthcoming.
The incident reportedly occurred during the Argungu Motor Rally, one of the activities marking the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival. The government official involved has been identified as Auwal Sani Rogo, a Senior Special Reporter with the Kano State Government, while the journalist is Abdulbaki Ali Ahmed Sharifai, who was covering the event in his professional capacity.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that a verbal disagreement took place shortly after a group of journalists, including Sharifai, conducted interviews at the venue. The exchange was said to have occurred in the presence of several senior government officials, among them Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs; Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; and Abba El-Mustapha, Chairman of the Kano State Censorship Board.
Following the incident, Sharifai reported the matter at the Divisional Police Office in Bompai, headquarters of the Kano State Police Command, alleging insults, harassment, and intimidation while carrying out his lawful duties.
Sources indicate that Rogo did not respond to a police invitation, while Sharifai was later invited for dialogue by Commissioner Waiya, who reportedly assured him that efforts would be made to secure an apology and resolve the matter amicably.
However, as of the time of this report, neither Rogo nor the Kano State Government including the Office of Special Advisers to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has issued any formal communication or apology regarding the incident.
Individuals close to Sharifai say he believes pursuing legal redress may become necessary if the matter continues without official acknowledgment.
The journalist maintains that he was performing his legitimate professional responsibilities at the time and deserves an institutional response to protect his rights and professional reputation.
The situation has sparked discussions within media circles about respect for journalists and professional conduct at public events.
As of press time, there has been no official public statement from the Kano State Government or the aide involved, and observers are awaiting further developments to determine whether reconciliation efforts will succeed or if the matter will proceed to litigation.
