By Mahmoud
The Progressive Northern Media Professionals (PNMP), Kano State, has expressed concern over the circulation of unverified reports on social media regarding the academic status of His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, urging journalists and the public to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, and responsible reporting.
The position was contained in a statement signed by the Interim President of the association, Mahmoud Muhammad, in Kano.
The statement noted that while the media has a constitutional responsibility to hold public figures accountable, such responsibility must always be exercised with professionalism, verification, and respect for ethical standards.
According to the association, reports capable of damaging the reputation of individuals should not be published or amplified without credible evidence from official and verifiable sources.
The group observed that different media organizations had reported on the controversy from varying perspectives, underscoring the need for journalists to rely on facts rather than speculation.
It urged members of the public to avoid sharing unverified claims on social media, warning that misinformation can cause unnecessary tension and reputational harm.
The association reiterated that educational institutions are expected to protect the confidentiality and integrity of students’ academic records and that official channels remain the appropriate source of such information.
PNMP called on media practitioners across Northern Nigeria to continue promoting factual, balanced, and ethical journalism in the public interest.
The statement concluded by encouraging journalists to remain committed to the core values of the profession—accuracy, fairness, balance, and accountability—while allowing relevant institutions to address issues through appropriate official channels.
This version avoids making unsupported factual claims about the Emir’s academic record or attributing positions to media organizations beyond what can be verified.
MAHMOUD Abdullah Muhammad is Kano base POLITICAL ANALYST and publisher of The Northern Star online newspapers, indagi3792@gmail.com
About The Author
