The Kano State Government on Saturday described as false reports in some national dailies and online media that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has banned Christians resident in the state from going to church on Sundays.The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Muhammad Garba, who made the remark while briefing newsmen on Saturday in Kano, said the report was false and unfounded.
“Our attention has been drawn to the rumour making the round, particularly in the online media, regarding the restriction of movement of people, Christians or Muslims to attend places of worship in the name of a direct policy or under the guise of any other policy.
“I want to state here categorically that the story is a complete lie, false and lacks any iota of truth and substance,’’ he said.
He said the state government was very much aware and mindful of the freedom of religion as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We in Kano State as a people and a government cherish and respect our religious differences and therefore will never introduce any policy that will be inimical to our peaceful co-existence and mutual respect,’’ he said.
Garba then called on journalists to always check facts and balance their stories and reports with high sense of fairness and responsibility.
He said the government extended the monthly sanitation exercise up to Sunday but only for the staff of the Refuse Management Board to enable them clear up the heap of refuse in the state. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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These Brown envelope journalists are a major source of misinformation in the country. Eager to do anyone's bidding to spread lies and rumour without careful verification before running to print. Imagine the damage this type of misinformation could've caused in an already tensed region still grappling with religious insurgence. There is need for repercussion for misinformation which could lead to religious violence. Thank God for the timely explanation of the fact by the State Government to douse the tension generated by the bad press. The State Government also will take note going forward to ensure that detailed explanation is released through its media agencies regarding issues which could cause misunderstanding especially those relating to ethnicity or religion. Enough is enough of garbage journalism in Nigeria.
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